Rain affected what was expected to b an enthralling third day’s play at Everest and Young Warriors grounds in the inaugural GCB/CGI Jaguars 3-Day League.
Substantial and persistent rainfall greatly affected the 3rd day’s play of the matches between Upper Demerara/East Bank and Georgetown at the Everest Cricket Club ground, and West Berbice and Upper Corentyne at the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground in Cumberland, Berbice.
Entering the 3rd day on 68 for 5 with an aggregate 77 runs, Upper Demerara/ East Bank were expected to attempt a brave recovery with overnight batsmen captain Steven Jacobs and national youth player Sherfane Rutherford set to take the task to the Georgetown bowlers.
Georgetown on the other hand, was intent on pressing home their marginal advantage in an attempt to limit and dismiss the opposition’s second innings to gain an achievable victory target. A target, they had hoped to enjoy most of the day to accomplish. Clearly, the prediction of the day’s play was one excitement, with 100 overs to be bowled in the 3rd and final day, intense battle was expected from both teams. However, the 3rd day’s play was eventually terminated at 1230 hours. Upper Demerara/ East Bank ended the match with 6.4 points (inclusive of 3.4 bonus points) and Georgetown with 6.3 points (inclusive of 3.3 bonus points).
Over at the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground, West Berbice had enjoyed a handsome aggregate lead of 206 runs with 5 wickets in hand and with a lot of time left in the match, 100 overs to be bowled on the 3rd day’s play. Surely, West Berbice, would have been looking to build on their advantage, by setting Upper Corentyne an apparent reachable victory target, in an attempt to allow them to take a calculated chance to win the match. An attempt at victory, which was likely to give West Berbice a better chance of securing the 10 second innings wickets required for them to become victorious.
On the other hand, Upper Corentyne, would have been looking to rebound, by claiming the remaining 5 wickets for as little runs as possible, and then setting out to surpass the target set by West Berbice. Nevertheless, Corentyne was obviously facing a more uphill task than their opponents. However, the expected gripping 3rd and final day’s play, was not to be, as persistent rain resulted in the day’s play being terminated at approximately 1400 hours.
The second round of matches of the Jaguars 3 Day League, will commence on Friday 2 September, 2016 at four venues across the country. At the Enmore Community Centre, East Coast Demerara will be at home to Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne will do battle with visitors Georgetown at the Albion Community Centre ground, Essequibo will come up against West Berbice at Young Warriors Cricket Club, and West Demerara will contest Upper Demerara/ East Bank at the Wales Community Centre ground.