Impressive victories for Blackhawks, Nation and Lions in ABCA Two Day Opening Round

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Top Performers for each team in the the opening round :Justin Athanaze (top left), Demari Benta (bottom left), Michael Greaves (centre), Demari Prince (top right) and Glenton Williams (bottom right)
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By Samuel Peters

The defending the Champions PIC Liberta Blackhawks, Empire Nation and New Winthorpes Lions were clinical in the opening round of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Two Day Competition which bowled off on the weekend.

At Ball Beef, the Blackhawks delivered a sublime performance, securing an emphatic innings and 224-run victory over the Bolans Blasters after posting an imposing 310 for five declared, with former Leeward Islands Under 19 batsman Michael Greaves leading the charge with a magnificent 110 runs off 150 balls, including 15 fours. Malique Walsh provided excellent support with 94 runs, also striking 15 boundaries. Elroy Francis Jr. remained unbeaten on 50, while debutant Deran Benta contributed a quick-fire 20.

In response, Bolans Blasters struggled in their first innings, being dismissed for just 21 runs in 15.1 overs. Leeward Islands Chamiqueko Landerfort was the chief destroyer, claiming seven for 12. Forced to follow on, Bolans showed more resistance in their second innings but were still bowled out for 65 runs in 28.1 overs. Hughan Tonge top-scored with 24 runs while Francis Jr led the bowling attack with impressive figures of six for 28, supported by Kofi James who took three wickets.

Having travelled to Bethesda, Empire Nation secured a commanding victory by an innings and 46 runs over the CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles which was highlighted by two outstanding batting performances from Empire Nation, with Tanez Francis scoring a magnificent 90 runs and Kershaski Jno Lewis contributing a solid 76 runs. Their performances helped Empire Nation post an imposing total of 238/9 in their first innings.

CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles struggled in both innings, scoring 95 all out and 97 for nine respectively. In their first innings, Kevin Pitman top-scored with 25 runs, while Tehrique Mason added 14. Micah McKenzie was the standout bowler for Nation, taking six wickets.

The second innings saw a fighting performance from Tron Payne, who scored 62, but it wasn’t enough to avoid the innings defeat. Veteran Justin Athanaze led the bowling attack in the second innings, grabbing an astonishing six wickets for six runs.

New Winthorpes Lions claimed a convincing six-wicket victory over All Saints Pythons in the ABCA Two-Day Cricket competition away at All Saints. The home side batted first, posting 78 all out in their first innings, with Sean Joseph Jr top-scoring with 24 runs, and Michael Haynes Dover contributing 20. The Lions’ bowling attack was led by debutant Demari Benta (5/18) and Orandel Boston (5/16), who shared all 10 wickets between them.

In response, New Winthorpes reached 86 for nine, featuring solid innings from Dravid Richardson (27) and Chad Hampson (24). Michael Marcellin was the pick of the Pythons’ bowlers, claiming five for 40 while veteran fast bowler Dane ‘Bangaloo’ Weston picked up four for 34.

The Pythons’ second innings saw them score 91 all out, with Michael Haynes Dover top scoring with 24 runs, while Sean Joseph Jr added 14. Demari Benta again showed his prowess with the ball, taking four wickets to add to his five in the first innings.

Chasing a modest target, the Lions secured victory at 84/4, with Keeshan Daawuud (15), Asher Murray Cornelius (13), and Dravid Richardson (11) making valuable contributions to guide their team home.

At the Rising Sun Grounds, Jennings Tigers claimed first innings points in a drawn encounter with WES Rising Sun Spartans. Batting first, Jennings Tigers showcased their batting depth by posting a commanding 209 all out in 35.2 overs. The innings was built on several key contributions, with former Rising Sun allrounder Shane Burton leading the charge with an explosive 37 off 23 balls, including two fours and four sixes. Glenton Williams provided valuable support with 31 runs (including five boundaries), while Matthew Miller crafted a well-constructed 30. The Rising Sun Spartans’ bowling attack was led by Omaley Heyliger, who claimed four for 64, while Hilroy Andrew picked up three for 39.

In response, WES Rising Sun Spartans were dismissed for 150 all out in 35.3 overs. The Tigers’ bowling unit demonstrated excellent control, with Glenton Williams and Bassanio Joseph proving particularly effective, each securing four wickets. Jedidiah Martin also contributed with two crucial wickets.

The Tigers’ second innings saw them reach 98/5 in 15 overs when the match was drawn. Miller starred with an unbeaten half-century (50*), including four boundaries and four sixes.

Also claiming first innings points was Pigotts Crushers against Tertiary Institutions & Schools. Batting first, Pigotts Crushers amassed an impressive 300 for four declared in 52 overs, highlighted by Demari Prince‘s outstanding knock of 107 runs off 126 balls, including 15 fours and a six. Essan Warner made a significant contribution with 89 runs (including 6 fours and 6 sixes), while Uri Smith provided an explosive cameo of 47 runs featuring 7 fours and 2 sixes.

In response, Tertiary Institutions & Schools were bowled out for 187 in 58.5 overs. Captain Kaivalya Mishra led the resistance with a fighting 84 runs off 160 balls, including 10 fours and a six. Antwone Willock (34) and Xanden Hobson (25) also made useful contributions. The Crushers’ bowling attack was led by Glen Williams three for 26, while Essan Warner, Jared JnoBaptiste, and Jalen Harris each claimed a wicket.

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