In an exciting clash in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County 50 Over Tournament, Essequibo’s Malcum Hubbard showcased a brilliant performance, scoring a classy 76 to lead his team to a massive victory.
On the following day, Kevin Sinclair’s exceptional bowling led Berbice to an incredible victory, setting a strong start for their 2023 campaign.
At the Bourda Cricket Ground on Sunday, Essequibo was put into bat and managed to score an impressive 273 for 9 in their allotted fifty overs.
Despite losing their top four batters early, Kevin Boodie (20) and Kemol Savory (29) provided solid starts.
However, it was Malcum Hubbard’s outstanding innings that truly shone, featuring six 6’s and three 4’s on his way to a classy half-century worth 76.
Hubbard received valuable support from Ricardo Adams (48 from 47 balls) and Anthony Adams (39), setting a challenging total for the GCB Select XI side.
Isai Throne led the GCB Select XI with four wickets, while junior Sinclair picked up 3 wickets, and Christopher Barnwell secured 2 wickets.
In pursuit, the GCB Select side struggled and were eventually bowled out for 101, with significant contributions from Raymond Perez (25) and Suresh Dhanai (23).
Quentin Sampson (4 for 18) led Essequibo’s bowling attack, supported by two wickets each for Anthony Adams and Garfield Phillips.
Hubbard, for his outstanding batting performance, was named the Player of the Match.
On Saturday at Blairmount in Berbice, the home side faced a challenging situation after being dismissed for 132 all out while batting first.
Romario Shepherd’s contribution of 26 was the highest for Berbice. Demerara’s bowlers, including Qumar Torrington (2 for 22), Sherfanie Rutherford (2 for 18), and Renaldo Ali Mohammed (3 for 22), performed impressively.
Although 132 seemed attainable for Demerara, Kevin Sinclair, who was initially not in the starting eleven for the CPL champions Amazon Warriors, delivered a phenomenal performance, taking 7 wickets for 15 runs in 9.5 overs.
Richie Looknauth (36) and Matthew Nandu (21) were the only batters who offered significant resistance for Demerara, as they were eventually bowled out for 105. Berbice secured a 27-run victory in their tournament opener.