By Neto Baptiste
PIC Liberta Blackhawks, CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles and Jennings Tigers were big winners in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Two-Day Competition as action resumed at various venues across the country.
In an extremely one-sided affair, Blackhawks swept to an innings 174 runs victory over Rising Sun Spartans when the teams met at the Rising Sun venue.
Batting first, Spartans were routed for just 109 in their first innings. Blackhawks then amassed a huge 320 for seven in their first innings with Karima Gore slamming 84 and Kofi James hitting 79. There were contributions of 51 not out from Joshua Thomas and 41 from captain, Michael Greaves.
Led by a destructive spell from fast bowler Elvis Weaver, who bagged six wickets for 10 runs, Blackhawks removed Spartans for just 37 in their second innings to claim the contest.
Meanwhile, in another one-sided contest, Golden Eagles enjoyed an innings and 83 runs victory over Bolans Blasters.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Blasters posted 150 all out in 45.1 overs with their best effort coming from Dwayne Fordyce who made 57 off 86 deliveries, hitting eight fours and one six in the process.
Timmo Thomas was the pick of the bowlers for the home team, claiming four wickets 13 runs in 11 overs. Fast bowler Kelvin Pitman also proved effective, picking up three for 25 in just 7.1 overs, while Deran Benta snagged two for 26 in 11 overs.
When their turn at the crease arrived, Golden Eagles posted a first innings total of 279 for eight in 72.4 overs. Kevin Pitman stepped up with the bat, slamming four fours and three sixes on his way to a top score of 84. Jamaul Fernandez was also on cue with 55, while Shacoy Floyd made 52 and Benta added 39.
Omar Francis was best with the ball for the visitors, taking four wickets for 15 runs in 12 overs.
Batting a second time, Bolans Blasters crashed to 46 all out with Fernandez (5/7), Benta (3/6) and Kemari Clarke (2/15) doing the damage with the ball for the home team.
Jennings Tigers made light work of Massy Insurance Combined Schools to win by an innings and 65 runs.
Batting first, Schools were bowled out for just 51 runs with Matthew Miller leading the charge for Tigers with four for 16 in six overs. Tanez Francis also had a good day with the ball, picking up three for five in just four overs.
Tigers, led by Jaheim Africa with 67 and Jedidiah Martin with 49, then raised 2012 for six declared before bowling out Schools for just 96 runs in their second innings. Omarie Joseph (4/28) and Martin (3/25) were on target for the Tigers.
In other matches played over the weekend, New Winthorpes Lions and Empire Nation played to a draw in New Winthorpes, while Pigotts Crushers, who saw a century from Gershum Phillip (125 not out) and All Saints Pythons whose Jewel Andrew scored 175 not out, played to an entertaining draw.