U-19 Inter-County: Select XI stun Berbice; Demerara romp to 99-run win over Essequibo

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 50-over tournament began with a thrilling upset as the defending champions, Berbice, were sensationally upended by the GCB Select XI in a low-scoring thriller at the Police Sports Club on Sunday.

While the Select XI celebrated a narrow 12-run victory, Demerara sent a warning shot across the tournament with a clinical 99-run dismantling of Essequibo at the Joe Jagmohan Ground.

After a disciplined performance in the field, the champions appeared to be cruising toward a routine victory before a dramatic middle-order implosion saw them bundled out for just 91.

Full SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/23879305/gcb-u19-inter-county-50-over-championship-/gcb-select-xi-u19-vs-berbice-u19/scorecard

Earlier in the day, the Select XI innings was defined by the aggressive blade of Yannick Newton, who played a counter-attacking cameo, smashing 42 off just 30 balls, including six boundaries and a six.

His contribution proved to be the difference-maker, as only Gibran Yacoob (16) managed to join him in double figures.

The Berbice bowling attack was led by a clinical Richard Ramdeholl, who finished with the remarkable figures of 5 for 6 from his six overs.

Pacer Micah Amsterdam provided the perfect foil, tearing through the top order to claim 4 for 26.

With a modest target of 104, Berbice seemed well-placed at 71 for 5, anchored by skipper Romario Ramdeholl’s 22 and solid starts from Antonio DePaul (18) and Vishal Williams (11).

However, the introduction of spin turned the match on its head. Gibran Yacoob, haunting his home county, produced a masterclass in left-arm orthodox bowling to claim 4 for 11.

He was expertly supported by off-spinner Joshua Budhram, who took 3 for 16, sealing a famous win for the Select XI.

Demerara dominate in Essequibo

SUMMARY: Demerara 242-6 from 50 overs (Jonathan Mentore 48*, Shamar Apple 46, Khush Seegobin 43, Parmeshwar Ram 40, Emmanuel Lewis 22; Nicholas Lovell 3-40, Ravesh Singh 2-33) beat Essequibo 143 all out from 30.5 overs (Justin Dowlin 78*, Ravesh Singh 17,  Navindra Sankar 13; Parmeshwar Ram 4-18, Vijai Kalpu 2-26, Shane Prince 2-33) by 99 runs

FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/23879281/gcb-u19-inter-county-50-over-championship-/demerara-u19-vs-essequibo-u19/scorecard

Demerara signalled their title ambitions by posting a robust 242 for 6, a total built on the back of several starts that frustrated the hosts.

While no Demerara batsman reached a half-century, the collective effort of the top order was relentless. Jonathan Mentore led the way with an unbeaten 48, narrowly missing out on a milestone, while Shamar Apple (46), Khush Seegobin (43), and Parmeshwar Ram (40) all provided substantial contributions.

Emmanuel Lewis added a quick 22 to ensure the momentum stayed with the visitors. Nicholas Lovell was the pick of the Essequibo bowlers, taking 3 for 40.

In reply, Essequibo’s chase never truly gathered the required steam, despite a heroic lone hand from opener Justin Dowlin. While wickets tumbled around him – five batsmen failed to get off the mark –  Dowlin remained defiant, finishing unbeaten on 78.

His innings, however, lacked a partner of substance, with Ravesh Singh (17) being the only other batsman to offer significant resistance.

Ram followed up his batting performance with a superb spell of 4 for 18, ensuring Essequibo remained tethered throughout their innings.

Vijai Kalpu and Shane Prince picked up two wickets apiece as Essequibo were eventually dismissed for 143 in the 31st over,

Action resumes Tuesday (April 14) with Demerara opposing the Select XI at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, and Berbice meeting Essequibo at Police.