By Samuel Peters
After just two rounds in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Two Day Competition, the defending Champions Liberta Blackhawks are already leading the league with 24 points. They are the only team to have so far notched up two outright wins having beaten Bolans Blasters in the first round and to follow up with an outstanding victory over the Rising Sun Spartans on the weekend. There were also wins for Pigotts Crushers and All Saints Pythons while New Winthorpes Lions and Empire Nation picked up first innings points.
At Ball Beef, Spartans visited the Blackhawks and were beaten comprehensively by 158 runs. Blackhawks bounced back strongly in their second innings, declaring at 289 for seven after being dismissed for 122 in their first innings. Michael Greaves led the recovery with 87 runs, while captain Amahl Nathaniel contributed 66 and Malique Walsh added 34.
WES Rising Sun Spartans managed 88 all out in their first innings, with Melvin Charles top-scoring with an unbeaten 35. Kofi James was the most effective bowler for the Blackhawks, claiming five wickets.
The Spartans were then bowled out for 165 in their second innings despite Kerry Mentore‘s aggressive 40 and Hilroy Andrew‘s 29 as Kadeem Phillip picked up three wickets.
At McPond, Bolans Blasters struggled against All Saints Pythons managing 92 all out in 36.1 overs in their first innings despite Gershum Phillip‘s fighting 40. Justin Robinson was the chief destroyer collecting seven for 23.
All Saints Pythons in response amassed 212 for eight declaring in their first innings, anchored by Michael Haynes Dover‘s 79 from 127 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes). Substantial contributions came from the bats of Akeem Blackman (36) and Malone Joseph (35).
The Blasters reached 85 all out in their second innings. Captain Taiem Tonge top-scored with 31, while Hughan Tonge added 16. Andra Samuel led the Pythons’ attack with five for 44, supported by Justin Robinson‘s three for 23.
Home side Pigotts Crushers dominated Bethesda Golden Eagles with a nine-wicket win. After declaring their first innings at 272 for five, in-form batter Demari Prince made 69, Ronnel Jeffrey 53, Uri Smith 46 and Joshua Grant 45. In reply, Golden Eagles were dismissed for 169, with Tayari Tonge top-scoring with 57. Onaje Amory was the pick of the bowlers, claiming six for 41.
Following on, Golden Eagles showed more resistance but were ultimately bowled out for 142. Shacoy Floyd (37) and Tron Payne (32) provided some fight but Amory added five more wickets to his match haul picking up 11 scalps in total.
Crushers, needing only 40 runs for victory, reached 43 for one in 6.3 overs. Prince smashed an unbeaten 21 while Essan Warner contributed 11 before falling to Mekali Tonge.
After play was washed out on Saturday at Jennings, the match between Jennings Tigers and New Winthorpes Lions was relocated to Bethesda on Sunday. Tigers batted first, managing a paltry 74 all out in 19 overs. Daymie Daley top-scored with 15 runs, while useful contributions came from Kief Baltimore (14), Shane Burton (13), and Glenton Williams (13). Orandel Boston was the best bowler, claiming six wickets for 18 runs in nine overs.
New Winthorpes Lions responded with 114 all out in 42 overs, led by Ishmael Peters‘ 36 from 76 balls while Cameron Pennyfeather (17), Dravid Richardson (19), and Keeshan Daawuud (11) provided support. The ever impressive Williams snapped up four for 58, while Zavier Freeland and Bassanio Joseph took three wickets apiece.
Tigers showed improvement in their second innings, reaching 57 for one in 15 overs. Jahiem Africa remains unbeaten on 30 from 50 balls, with captain Paul Miller on 20 not out.
At Factory, Empire Nation and Tertiary Institutions & Schools played out to a draw. Batting first, Tertiary Institutions & Schools (TIS) responded with 176 for nine, anchored by Captain Kaivalya Mishra‘s unbeaten 72. Justin Athanaze four for 19 and Michael Harilall three for 39) were the pick of the bowlers.
In response, Empire posted a commanding 269 for 6 declared in their first innings, powered by Tyrone Williams Jr‘s explosive 90 and Xaveek Toppin‘s patient 73.
TIS struggled to 76 for seven in their second innings managing to get some points out of the match, with Mishra again showing resistance with 29. Tanez Francis grabbed three quick wickets while Athanaze and Javaughn James provided good support with two wickets each.
About The Author
