The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) inaugural National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH’s Coco Cola and Rainforest Water, along with Digicel, commenced on Friday with Marian Academy, Annandale and Friendship recording victories.
At the Everest ground, Marian Academy won the toss and sent Kingston Practical Instruction Centre (PIC) into bat. The Kingston PIC opening batsmen got off to a steady start, reaching 50 runs before Meshack Sofleigh was caught at cover for 24.
Shortly after his opening partner Keon Williams followed suit when he was caught at short midwicket for 20. The two dismissals were the genesis of a batting collapse as Kingston PIC was bowled out for 75 in the 16th over.
Bowling for Marian Academy, Jonathan Mangru took 3-20, Joshua Klauty 2-13, and Arvinda Gainda 3-2.
Marian Academy, set 76 to win, reached their target comfortably in the 10th of their allotted 30 overs. Opener Mangra contributed with 29, before being bowled by medium-pacer Joel Best. Captain Gainda had a good all-round performance in the match, finishing the contest with a six to end unbeaten on 37, as Marian Academy finished on 78-1.
Over at the Enterprise ground on the East Coast of Demerara, Annandale Secondary came up against Balden Hall Multilateral. Bladen Hall Multilateral won the toss and elected to bat first, but was only able to manage 119 runs off 21.3 overs.
Bhaskar Yadram was caught at short cover for 25, while Reaz Ali and Vikash Mangru made 15 runs apiece. Bowling for Annandale Secondary, Mike Persaud took 3-8 and Tameshmar Motiram grabbed 3-17.
In reply, Annandale Secondary made heavy work of the target, reaching 122-7 runs off 21.3 overs. Mike Persaud contributed 27, and Kenduce Kooper made 16 runs.
However, Bladen Hall Multilateral greatest challenge in the field was extras, having conceded some 52, an aspect which greatly assisted Annandale Secondary to attain victory.
At Thirst Park, Houston Secondary won the toss and inserted Friendship Secondary to take first strike. Friendship Secondary made good use of batting first on the pitch by amassing 268-9 off the allotted 25 overs.
Orlando Ghisiawan hit 57, Lorenco O’Neil made 51, while Sunil Tulsidas supported with 39. Bowling for Houston Secondary, Shaquelle Theusdee took three wickets, while Travis George took two.
Chasing 269 for victory, the Houston Secondary lads were well placed on 106-2 at the end of the 10th over, with Paul Thomas and Jermaine Scott putting on a third wicket partnership of 75.
However, Houston Secondary was eventually dismissed for 181 in 20 overs. Paul Thomas smashed 63 and Jermaine Scott made 35.
Bowling for Friendship Secondary, Dhanpaul Bissoon grabbed six wickets to remove all hopes of a successful batting chase by Houston Secondary.
The GCB/ Banks DIH/Digicel National Secondary School Cricket League will continue on Tuesday in the West Berbice District and on Wednesday in the Georgetown, East Coast and East Bank Districts.