By Neto Baptiste
Empire Nation picked up where they left off when the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Two Day Competition resumed over the weekend, crushing Wayne’s Electrical Rising Sun Spartans by 159 runs to stay unbeaten and atop the standings with 48 points after three rounds of matches.
Winning the toss and opting to bat at the King George V Ground, Empire Nation were led by Tyrone Williams Jr who slammed 85 off 79 deliveries with 13 fours as they raised 167 all out in 32.4 overs. Rasheed Henry chipped in with 23 from 36 balls while Justin Athanaze made 22 from 37.
Dario Hodge was the pick of the bowlers for Spartans with four wickets for 34 runs in 7.4 overs. Richie Thomas bagged two for 46 in eight.
Spartans then overhauled Empire’s first innings total, reaching 203 all out in 33.4 overs. They were led by wicketkeeper Junior Henry who made 65 from 62 balls with 11 fours and one six. Tassilo Allen contributed with 34 from 43 deliveries.
Williams Jr, who was named player of the match, enjoyed a seven-wicket haul with seven for 22 in just 4.4 overs. Spinner Micah McKenzie snatched two for 54 in nine overs.
Empire, in their second innings, then amassed 272 with Rasheed Henry slamming 119 off 160 deliveries with 12 fours and three sixes. He was assisted by Tanez Francis who made 60 off 105 balls with eight fours while Williams Jr made 34. Michael Harilall claimed three for 101 in 21 overs bowling for Spartans.
The visitors were then removed for just 77 in their second innings as Empire went on to claim the win. Athanaze did the damage with the ball, picking up six for just 12 runs in 16 overs.
There was victory as well for Bolans Blasters who beat Jennings Tigers by 44 runs in a low-scoring affair.
Asked to bat, Blasters were bowled out for just 90 in their first innings with their best effort coming from veteran Orlando Peters who made 35 off 48 deliveries. Glenton Williams was ruthless with the ball, claiming eight wickets for 28 runs in 14.5 overs.
The home team was then removed for just 45 runs in their first innings reply with Cameron Miller hitting a top score of 14. Mali Richards claimed four wickets for four runs in 5.5 overs while there were three wickets each for Dwayne Fordyce (3/9) and Peters (3/23).
Bolans were then led by Peter Bellanfanti who made 54 as they raised 133 in their second innings. Rowan Watkins contributed with 37 at the top of the order. Williams was once again, the danger man for Jennings, picking up a second eight-wicket haul with eight for 38, finishing with a total of 16 wickets in the match.
Jennings fell short in their chase, reaching 134 all out in 38.2 overs. Elijah Peters top-scored with 47. Peters led Bolans’ bowling with four for 35 in 13.2 overs while Richards claimed four for 48 in 13 overs.
Also, Pigotts Crushers beat New Winthorpes Lions by 10 wickets at New Winthorpes.
Scores: New Winthorpes Lions (129/8 and 22/8) – Keeshaun Daawuud (68), Kadeem Henry (4/15), Demari Benta (4/8); Pigotts Crushers (100 all out and 52/0); Kadeem Henry (38 and 29); Ian Eusebe (4/6) and Kyian Joseph (3/35).
PIC Liberta Blackhawks defeated Combined Schools by an innings and 22 runs at Factory.
Scores: Combined Schools (79/9 declared and 68 all out); Jalen Harris (5/21), Elvis Weaver Jr (3/14). Liberta Blackhawks (169/6 declared) – Uri Smith (39), Karima Gore (33); George Elvin (2/24).
Meanwhile, All Saints Pythons won by default over CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles after the latter could not field a team.