Defending champions Essequibo made a riveting start to their title defence, defeating Demerara in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board Under-13 Inter-County 40-over competition on Thursday.
Playing in familiar conditions at the Affiance ground in Essequibo, the home side dismissed Demerara for 84 in 29.1 overs. Essequibo then charged to victory at 85-3 from 19.3 overs in the 12-player per side contest.
The Essequibians were led to victory by Joseph Bholo, who stroked a top score of 24 and received support from Arif Singh (18*) and opener Ravid Fredericks (17).
Wicketkeeper Bholo had earlier played a crucial role in the field, picking up three dismissals behind the stumps and effecting a run out.
An excellent bowling performance from Essequibo kept Demerara in check, with Gishwar Tillack (2-2), Usain Fredericks (2-7), Tyrese Stephney (2-16) and Marcus Thomas (2-18) among the wickets.
Jermaine Grovesnor (21) and Prosper Jacobus (12) added valuable runs for Demerara at the backend of the innings after skipper Lomar Seecharran (0) and fellow opener Nathan Bishop (0), Mickel Johnson (02), Makai Dowlin (06) and Wasim Ali (02) all fell cheaply as Demerara slipped to 26-5 early in the game.
Round Two of the tournament will take place on Friday (August 30) at the La Bonne Intention ground, East Coast Demerara, with Demerara facing Berbice from 10:30h.
The third and final round will be on Saturday (August 31) at the same venue with Berbice up against Essequibo.
