UDCA T20 Competition… Semi-finals set for tomorrow

Malali, Royal Champions, West Watooka, and Yariah Warriors will contest the semi-finals of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) T20 club tournament tomorrow.

In the first game, Royal Champions face Yariah Young Warriors from 9.30hrs and the semis pit West Watooka against Malali from 13.00hrs

In the latest results from the final round robin matches played last Sunday at the Maria Elizabeth ground, West Watooka won by 29 runs against Young Achievers

Batting first, West Watooka were bowled out for 85 from 13.1 overs as Eion Reynolds took 4 for 26 from 4 overs with Tyreke Henry and Devon Bell each taking 2 wickets

When Young Achievers replied, they made 56 for 8 from 20 overs with Marlon Fredericks, their captain, getting 10, the only double figure score. Julien Fortune was the best bowler for the winning West Watooka side taking 3 for 28 from his three overs with Keith Austin and Keyon Hertunds both claiming 2 wickets each

In the other match played, Coomacka won by three wickets against Aroiama

Taking first strike, Aroiama were bowled out for 62 off 9.4 overs with Kallis Smith hitting 32, comprising three 4s and two 6s with Coomacka’s captain Gary Savoury taking 3 for 12 off 3 overs, Andrew Couchman 3 for 17 off 3 overs and Jamal Whyte 2 for zero off four balls being their best bowlers.

In reply, Coomacka reached their target by getting 67 for 7 off 7.4 overs with Sunil Griffith 25 leading the way and Blake Duggan 10 not out as Glendon Lyte grabbed 3 for 19 from 3.3 overs and Astil Cobos 2 for 20 from 2 overs, bowling for the losers. (Joe Chapman)

Keggan Simmons off Charles on 43 before pushing the off - spinner to cover for a sharp single to reach his maiden fifty from 108 balls with three boundaries

The Essequibian celebrated the landmark with a magnificent straight drive for four off Uthman Muhammad while his captain steered Muhammad to the vacant third-man boundary to post the 300 lead before cutting Charles for four

Johnson spanked Tion Webster for a boundary as the 150 came up on another very hot day as raging bush fires to the east of the ground produced smoke that drifted over the sward

Savory was dropped on 67 at long-leg from a miscued hook off Webster while Johnson reached his fifty from 100 balls in a knock decorated with seven fours and a six

By Lunch Guyana were on 187-3 with the lead 351 and the partnership on 107 Savory was on 76 and Johnson on 54

After the interval, Johnson hit Jason Mohammed for four before squeezing Justin Manick between the slip cordon for another boundary as he stepped on the gas

With Johnson, who made his first-class debut 20 years ago , on 74 and in touching distance of an elusive ton , Charles got one to bounce and Johnson was taken at forward short leg with the score on 221-4

This was the 47 th time Johnson had scored 50 or more runs at this level but he has only converted six of those scores into centuries

Kevin Sinclair , with a half - century in the first innings, was taken at mid-off for one as Charles struck again to leave Guyana on 227-5 before Anthony Bramble (2) missed an injudicious slog-sweep and was LBW to Bravo at 230-6

Savory, who, all of a sudden looked uncomfortable against Charles , eventually reached three - figures from 220 balls, 270 minutes with five fours and a six Kemo Paul ( 7 ) was the other not out batter when Johnson declared Needing to bat over five sessions to save the match, the Red Force had a horrendous start when Jeremy Solozano was caught down the leg-side by Bramble as Nial Smith struck in the second over before Keggan Simmons (8) edged Paul to Johnson at first slip at 31-2

Bravo , with twin tons against the Leewards in his last match , was joined by Mohammed, who made 50 in the first innings, and a handful of fans were depending on the two batters in the team to prolong the game as long as possible.

However , Mohammed (13) played around and was LBW as Paul struck just before the close to end a promising 39-run stand dominated by Bravo who reached his 50 from 63 balls with seven fours.

With Goolie looking very comfortable against spin, along with Bravo, who is arguably the best batter in the tournament , today could be an interesting day as Guyana hunt their second win this season.