Chattergoon, Johnson half-centuries highlight tame draw (Round 7, Day 4)
CMC | 01/04/08
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PROVIDENCE, Guyana - Sewnarine Chattergoon narrowly missed a century and Leon Johnson scored a half-century to brighten an otherwise lifeless day as the final round Carib Beer Series match between Guyana and Windward Islands petered out into a predictable draw on the final day Tuesday.
Chattergoon fell on 98 while Johnson got 80 as Guyana, resuming at 29 for one in their second innings still 42 runs in arrears, finished the day 250 for five at the National Stadium at Providence.
The duo added 183 for the second wicket before wasting opportunities to register centuries against a steady but unpenetrative attack on a track with no help for the bowlers.
Seventy-five runs were scored in the first session as the hosts reached 106 for one by lunch with the 26-year-old Chattergoon reaching his 16th first class fifty from 152 minutes, 107 balls with seven boundaries.
The Guyanese second wicket pair slowed to a pedestrian pace after lunch but the 20-year-old Johnson reached his third fifty at this level from 231 minutes, 184 balls, with four fours.
They were content to occupy the crease and not a boundary was scored in the last hour before tea at which time Guyana had crawled to 162 for one, scoring just 56 runs in the session.
The final session produced the most exciting period of a day. Seemingly well set for his fifth century at this level, Chattergoon fell for 98 at 202 for two after batting a shade over six hours, facing 276 balls and striking 11 fours.
Johnson was soon undone by his own impetuosity when he essayed a big slash at the impressive Mervyn Matthew seven runs later and was bowled for 80. He counted five fours in his 249-ball innings which lasted 349 minutes.
With all of the interest removed from the contest, Gajanand Singh (15) was caught at long leg hooking at Nelon Pascal, while Devindra Bishoo (5) was run out for five with three balls remaining, at which time the game was called off.
Matthew finished with three 39.
Windwards finished with six points from the encounter while Guyana got three.
