Barnwell, Dindyal hit majestic tons to march DCC and GCC into final

Christopher Barnwell and Mavendra Dindyal made the most out of the truncated First-Division Two-Day semi-finals organised by the Georgetown Cricket Association, by stroking masterful centuries on Sunday.

At Everest, no play occurred on Saturday due to the inclement weather, and the hosts inserted Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), who piled on 329-6 in 77.3 overs led by Barnwell’s majestic 173 – his 44^th First-Division ton.

DCC was in serious trouble as Raymond Perez (14), Sachin Singh (2), Coen Ismond (7) and Joshua Persaud (15) were all back in the pavilion in quick succession.

Barnwell, whose omission for the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the ongoing Regional Four-Day Championship was a focal point for onlookers, formed a vital partnership with Raj Nanan and took DCC to safety.

The skipper struck 13 sixes and six fours in his blistering knock, while Nanan retired hurt due to cramps for 73.

In a quest for quick runs, Barnwell fell to Ariel Tilku (1-47) compliments of a good running catch at mid-on by Aaron Beharry.

Jahron Byron was unbeaten on 14, while Ashmead Nedd made 11.

Skipper Amir Khan (2-36), David Willams (1-56), Javeed Rasheed (1-60) and Richie Looknauth (1-76) were also among the wickets.

Everest, in response, reached 53-4 at the end of 21 overs. Openers Denesh Mangal (9) and Ronaldo Renee (17) went early along with Joseph Perry (2).

Looknauth was unbeaten on 20 as Nedd took 2-9, while Singh (1-8) and Steven Sankar (1-19) also supported.

DCC qualified for the final by virtue of having the most wins during the group stage.

Over at Bourda, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) won first-innings points over Police Sports Club (PSC) to book their spot in the final.

PSC had ended day one on 90-7 and their innings closed at 142-9 from 30.3 overs. Quinton Sampson smashed 63 (7x6s; 4x4s) from 30 balls.

Ronaldo Alimohamed ended with 4-32, while Devon Lord (2-18) and Stephon Wilson (2-28) were among the wickets as well.

GCC then pilled on a mammoth 344-8 declared from 63.5 overs, led by the young talent of Dindyal with a top-score of 110 (13x4s) from 116 balls.

Alimohamed showed his all-around skills with a 36-ball 52 (4x4s; 3x6s) and Martin Pestano-Belle was unbeaten on 54. GCC had other contributions from Zachary Jodah (33), Bernard Bailey (29) and Lord (22).

Kemol Savory snared 3-52 and had support from Eon Rodrigues (2-33), Sampson (1-9) and Ronsford Beaton (1-34).

PSC in their second innings reached 66-0 in 6.3 overs, compliments of quickfire knocks from Kevon Boodie (34) and Andrew Lyght (30).

The final is expected to be played on February 19-20 at a venue to be named.