Gobardhan, Baksh and Gandhi propels Big Apple CC To First Convincing Win
Big Apple Cricket Club took on Richmond Hill Cricket Club in a crucial encounter with both teams struggling. Big Apple skipper Andy Mohammed won the toss and without hesitation opted to bat first on a placid wicket.
The three top performers from Big Apple Cricket Club were (l-r) Deonath Baksh, Raakesh Gobardhan and Saumil-Gandhi.
Andy Mohammed and the former Guyana youth player Raakesh Gobardhan strode out to the middle in glorious sunshine. In the second over bowled by Rusty Baichoo, Mohammed was caught at first slip attempting a big cover drive. Walked in at number three was another former Guyana youth player, the dependable Deonath Baksh, he joined his long time mate Gobardhan, two played some lovely shots around the ground with Gobardhan being more attacking out of the two, he played some elegant cricket shots and brought his fifty in quick time with a huge six out the park.
The pair saw Big Apple reached the triple figure in the 16th over. Baksh on the other hand was playing with patience and determination. Gobardhan was eventually out caught trying to hit another one out the park for a well-played 75. Baksh was joined by Cohen Ismond, the pair batted well as Baksh reached a well-deserved fifty with an exquisite cover drive. He was eventually out for 64. Ismond batting well at the other end was joined by Zaaid Majeed. Big Apple would reach 200 in the 32 over. Ismond was out for 30, Majeed went on to make 22. Big Apple was eventually bowled out for 249 in the 39th over.
Richmond Hill started off very positive with the veteran Debo Sankar and Marlon Kallicharan opening the innings. Both batsmen looked in fine form. The youngster Rahanul Islam, who opened the bowling from Foch Blvd., end and Zaaid Majeed from the basketball end. The pair bowled well but without any luck. It was the left arm spinner Saumil Gandhi who would wreck proceeding for the boys in maroon.
First to go was Kallicharran brilliantly caught by Mark Gomes for 41, Chunilal was bowled for 7, M. Sadloo was caught for one and Debo Sankar was smartly stumped by Ejaz for 27. Skipper Shameer Sadloo played some lofty blows for a well-played 65 before he was bowled by Zaaid Majeed. Richmond Hill would eventually finish on 189 for 7 off their 40 overs.
Summary: Big Apple CC 249 all out in 39.3 overs: Raakesh Gobardhan 75, Deonath Baksh 64, Cohen Ismond 30. Bowling for Richmond Hill: S. Sadloo 6 for 52.
Richmond Hill CC 189 for 7 off 40 overs: S. Sadloo 65, M. Kallicharan 41 and Debo Sankar 27.
Bowling for Big Apple: Saumil Gandhi 4 for 28 off 8 overs.
Big Apple will take on Liberty Sports Club on Sunday at Bay Park.
