By Samuel Peters
The LL Supply Ltd & Total Imports Island Boys Sports Club (IBSC) 20-over Tape Ball Classic 2024 saw a day of high-scoring matches and dominant performances on Sunday at the Powells and Potters grounds.
At Powells, Dredgers set the tone for the day with a crushing 258-run victory over Mix Up Stars. After winning the toss, Dredgers amassed a staggering 324 for two in their 20 overs, anchored by Mervin Higgins‘ explosive 147 not out. His innings, featuring six fours and a remarkable 18 sixes, was well supported by Jedidiah Martin’s unbeaten 54, Tanez Francis’ 41 and J’Quan Athanaze’ 36.
In reply, Mix Up Stars crumbled under the pressure, managing only 66 all out in 14.1 overs. Javaughn James led the bowling attack with three for four, while Loy Weste and Mike France picked up two wickets each.
In the second match at Powells, Gladys Potter (GP) Eagles chased down Pete Landscaping 300’s total of 121 with ease, winning by six wickets. Kerry Mentore starred with both bat and ball, taking three for 10 in four overs and scoring an unbeaten 21 in the chase. Melvin Charles top-scored for GP Eagles with 46, as they reached the target in just 9.5 overs.
At Potters, rain reduced the match between PMS and PEL Desi Boys to 12 overs per side. PMS made the most of their batting opportunity, posting 167 for 5, with Shane Burton smashing an unbeaten 81. In response, PEL Desi Boys could only muster 62 for 5, giving PMS a convincing 105-run victory. Kenny Benjamin and Charnlall RamJohn took two wickets each for PMS.
The final match of the day saw Buckleys 3J’s defeat Pelican Safari/The Nest Beach Bar & Restaurant VIP by 62 runs. Steve Martin’s unbeaten 62 propelled Buckleys 3J’s to 187 for 8. Despite Michael Dover’s valiant 55, VIP were bowled out for 125, with Demari Benta claiming impressive figures of 5 for 8 in four overs.
