By Neto Baptiste
Elroy Francis Jr slammed his maiden century in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Two Day Competition while Jewel Andrew assisted with a ton of his own to help guide Pigotts Crushers to an emphatic innings and 272 runs triumph over Bolans Blasters over the weekend.
Francis struck 13 fours and six maximums on his way to 133 from 135 deliveries, while Andrew hit 12 fours and three sixes on his way to 100 from 89 deliveries as Crushers amassed 433 for seven declared in their first innings after they were asked to bat by the hosts.
Essan Warner fell just six runs short of his century, reaching 94 off 109 balls with 11 fours and three sixes. Orlando Peters was best with the ball for Bolans, claiming three wickets for 88 runs in 22.2 overs. Fast bowler Taiem Tonge pickd up two for 66 in 14 overs.
Bolans were then bowled out for just 78 runs in their first innings with their best effort coming from Peter Bellanfanti who made 42 from 42 deliveries. His knock included 10 fours.
Alec Jn Baptiste was the pick of the bowlers for Crushers, snatching four wickets for 25 runs in 10 overs with four maidens. Jason Rodney chipped in with three for 22 in just 5.1 overs.
Asked to follow on, Blasters were then removed for just 83 in their second innings. Vishal Gobin did the damage with the ball, claiming seven wickets for 15 runs in 10.3 overs.
There was victory as well for Jennings Tigers who beat All Saints Pythons by 38 runs in Jennings with spinner Glenton Williams claiming a total of nine wickets in the contest.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Jennings Tigers posted 114 all out in their first innings with a top knock of 29 from Winston Nelson. There were three wickets each for Michael Marcellin who had three for 32 and Demetri Lucas who snatched three for 25 bowling for Pythons.
When their turn at the crease arrived, Pythons could only muster 110 before they were all out in 29.2 overs.
Glenton Williams did the damage with the ball, picking up a five-for (5/41) in 9.2 overs while Jedidiah Martin grabbed two for 26 in nine overs.
In their second innings, Tigers raised 139 before they were all out with Dahari Francis hitting a top score of 36. Lucas grabbed four for 29 in eight overs and Marcellin claimed three for 53 in 10 overs bowling for Pythons.
Chasing 144 for victory, All Saints Pythons in their second innings, fell for 105 in 30.5 overs with Lucas hitting a top score of 43 off 58 deliveries. Nelson and Williams each bagged four wickets with Williams claiming four for 40 in 13 overs and Nelson claiming four for 24 in 10.5 overs.
Meanwhile, Rising Sun Spartans defeated Combined Schools by 10 wickets when they met at Factory Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Combined Schools were removed for just 63 runs with Michael Harilall (4/16) and Andre Edwards (3/11) doing the damage with the ball.
Owen Graham then slammed 115 off just 59 deliveries to lead Spartans to 190 for four declared. Tassilo Allen added 44 runs to the effort.
Schools then posted 127 all out in their second innings with Melique Jacobs making 31. Harilall (5/39) did the damage with the ball. Rising Suns then eased to victory in the second innings at four without loss.
In other matches contested over the weekend, Empire Nation came away with first innings points against the Liberta Blackhawks after the match ended in a draw. Micah McKenzie was the stand out for Empire, claiming six wickets for 35 runs in 13.1 overs in Blackhawks’ first innings.
Also, Bethesda Golden Eagles also came away with first innings points following a draw with New Winthorpes Lions.