South-East on top in UTC cricket

Half-centuries by skipper Jason Mohammed (60) and Rakesh Ramkissoon gave defending champions South-East a good platform to push for victory over Tobago yesterday in their Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) Under-19 Inter-Zone match. The opening round two-day match is being contested at the Barrackpore Senior Compre-hensive Ground.

After a delayed start and having been sent in to take first strike, the reigning champions rallied to 182 for the loss of six wickets at the close of play. Because of a flight time mix-up and the late arrival of the Tobago lads, the match started three hours late at 1 pm. And then rain stopped play at 4.50 pm. Batting at number four, Mohammed led the way with an attractive 60 with ten fours while Ramkissoon also proved his worth with a half-century which contained one five and eight fours. Kevin Lalchan made 21 and Kareem Mohammed got 15.

Tobago’s lanky right-arm medium pacer Rod Shepherd also impressed and finished with three wickets for 33. In the key match at the National Cricket Centre, Central Zone found themselves reeling at 21 for the loss of five wickets when persistent showers forced an abandonment of play after 2 pm.

There was a delayed start at 1.10 pm due to early morning showers. And the Central lads paid the price for lack of disciplined application against North-East bowlers Gewan Ramroop (6-2-7-2) and Keon Coxal (5-1-13-2). The other match between North and South Zones scheduled at the Mico Ground, Aranguez was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Today play resumes at 9.30 am in all matches.

Summarised Scores—
At Barrackpore Senior: SOUTH-EAST 182 for 6 (Rakesh Ramkissoon 50, Jason Mohammed 60, Kareem Mohammed 15, Kevin Lalchan 21; Rod Shepherd 3 for 33) vs TOBAGO.
At NCC, Balmain: CENTRAL ZONE 21 for 5 (Jairaj Dilraj 13; Gewan Ramroop 2 for 7, Keon Coxal 2 for 13) vs NORTH-EAST.
At Mico Ground, Aranguez: NORTH vs. SOUTH (Play abandoned- rain).