-despite Rampersaud’s allround brilliance

Despite a delightful 93 and three-wicket haul from Jonathan Rampersaud, Albion dethroned Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board/Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 50 overs-a-side knockout tournament on their home ground yesterday.

In front of a handful of spectators with the sun shining in all its glory after rain halted much of the tournament, Albion batting first, posted 167-6 from their full quota.

In reply, the visitors scored 161 all out in 47.2 overs.

Rampersaud said after the match that it was hard finishing second, pointing out that there were too many dropped catches and misfields on the hot day. However, he said it was a good game praised Albion for a well-played match.

Successful captain, Pavendra Ganesh said it was a very good bowling performance from his bowlers that led to the victory.

He pointed out though that the fielding was bad, adding that they will have to work on that aspect as they go along.

Ganesh also indicated that the tournament was good and said he was looking forward to next year’s tournament.

Earlier, Rose Hall looked as if they were going to pull off the win and retain their title with Rampersaud closing in on his century.

However a rare lapse in concentration saw him edging a delivery from Tameshwar Mahadeo to the wicketkeeper.

He struck four boundaries in his innings that spanned 134 balls.

Rampersaud, who ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer, could only watch as off-spinner, Leon Cecil ripped through the top order to have Rose Hall buckling at 43-4. He then shared a 50-run stand with Rayad Rahaman which brought his team back into the contest.

Rahaman, though, became impatient and was run out attempting a run that was not there.

Apart from Rampersaud, only Jonathan De Vieira reached double figures with a 28-ball 26.

He hit Naresh Veerasammy for four boundaries in the eighth over but was trapped by Cecil leg before wicket in the first ball of the next over.

Cecil ended with 4-24 in his 10 overs while Ganesh picked up 2-39 from his quota and Kumar Deopersaud and Mahadeo claimed one scalp each.

Earlier, Hemendra Gurdyal laid the foundation with a solid 40 at the top of the order, coming from 90 deliveries and consisting of just one boundary while sharing in a 50 partnership with Mahadeo.

Mahadeo stroked two boundaries while Cecil carved three for their cameos of 17 and 13 respectively.

Rampersaud was also the outstanding bowler for Rose Hall, claiming 3-30 from his 10 overs with Jeremy Sandia and Mahendra Gopilall claiming one wicket each.