By Neto Baptiste
The Liberta Blackhawks moved into the number two position in the standings of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Two Day competition following a three-wicket triumph over Pigotts Crushers over the weekend.
Winning the toss and opting to bat at Ball Beef in Liberta, the visiting Crushers amassed 243 all out in 52.4 overs. They were led by captain, Elroy Francis Jr, who hit a century with 127 off 121 deliveries. He struck 19 fours and two sixes on his way to the century before he was caught by Hayden Walsh Jr off the bowling of Rahkeem Cornwall. Opener Kadeem Henry fell just two runs short of his half century at 48 from 61 balls with eight fours.
Karima Gore was the pick of the bowlers for Blackhawks with four wickets for 63 runs in 14.4 overs. Cornwall picked up three for 43 in 11 overs.
Blackhawks responded well, reaching 290 all out in 65.2 overs, building a first innings lead of 47 runs. Gore, who was later named player of the match, fell just four runs short of a century with 96 from 117 balls, striking 11 fours and four sixes. Cornwall contributed 58 from 47 balls with eight fours and three sixes.
Demari Benta and Henry did the damage with the ball for Crushers, each claiming three wickets. Benta bagged three for 34 in 14 overs while Henry snatched three for 64 in 14 overs.
Batting for a second time, Crushers were bowled out for 136 thanks largely to Gore who claimed six wickets for 36 runs in 13 overs. Cornwall grabbed two for three in three overs.
Needing 90 to win, Blackhawks were made to sweat for every run, reaching their target with seven wickets down with their best effort being 39 from Joshua Thomas. Benta was on target for Crushers, claiming six wickets for 35 runs in his nine overs.
The win moved Blackhawks to 42 points and second behind Empire Nation who continue to lead with 52 points.
Meanwhile, there was a 10-wicket win for All Saints Pythons over Bolans Blasters when they met at Mack Pond in All Saints.
Winning the toss and opting to field, the home team restricted Bolans Blasters to just 145 runs in 39.3 overs. Dwayne Fordyce top-scored with 59 from 70 deliveries with eight fours and one six. Kadeem Josiah led the bowling for the home team with six wickets for 36 runs in 15.3 overs.
Pythons, led by Malone Joseph with 58 off 97 balls, then raised 202 all out in 41.5 overs. Andra Samuel and T’ron Payne contributed with 38 and 34 runs, respectively. Omar Francis led the bowling for the visitors with five for 60 in 12 overs while veteran Orlando Peters bagged four for 71 in 14 overs.
Bolans, in their second inning, reached 67 for seven in 16.2 overs before declaring. Player of the match, Michael Marcellin led All Saints’ charge with the ball claiming five for 26 from 8.2 overs.
Pythons then got to six without loss to claim the match and their third win in six showings. They move to 30 points and fifth in the standings. Bolans are seventh with 24 points.
There was victory as well for New Winthorpes Lions as they beat Combined Schools by six wickets. Batting first, Schools made 186 all out with George Elvin hitting 97. There were two wickets each for Asher Murray-Cornelius, Hilroy Andrew, Jermaine Otto and Ishmael Peters.
Lions then raced to 211 for seven declared with Murray-Cornelius making 103 with 11 fours and two sixes. Peters contributed with 43. Kylano Isaac claimed three for 39 bowling for Schools.
Combined Schools them made 81 for eight declared from 38.1 overs in their second innings. Otto picked up four wickets for nine runs and Orandel Boston snatched three for 38 bowling for Lions.
The home team then reached their target at 57 for four in 13.2 overs.
In other matches over the weekend, Rising Sun Spartans won on first innings over Jennings Tigers while Empire Nation and Bethesda Golden Eagles played to a draw.