By Samuel Peters
The pressure at the top of the standings of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Super 40 Competition has greatly increased as the top five teams collected easy victories on Saturday.
Rising Sun Spartans took care of Bolans Blasters in less than two hours, winning by nine wickets: Liberta made light work of Empire beating them by eight wickets to be the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals; Crushers demoralised Golden Eagles with a 10-wicket victory; Tigers beat Combined Schools by 98 runs, while New Winthorpes Lions won by default to All Saints Pythons.
Empire Nation 103 all out | Liberta Blackhawks 104 for 2
The Empire Nation will not feature in this year’s knockout round after their third straight loss in the ABCA Super 40 Competition. They were beaten by eight wickets against the mighty Blackhawks after they were restricted to 103 all out with Damian Lowenfield top-scoring with 23. Jaeo Benjamin inflicted severe damage to his old side, by removing their top order with figures of three for 35. He received support from Kofi James and Karima Gore who had two for 22 and two for seven. Blackhawks raced to the target in less that 15 overs getting to 104 for two, as Michael Greaves (44*) and Gore (42*) saw their side home. Blackhawks are now on 26 points with two rounds remaining.
Bolans Blasters 40 all out | Rising Sun Spartans 43 for 1
Bolans continue to be everyone’s proverbial ‘banging post’ losing to Spartans by eight wickets in less two hours due to all-rounder Shane Burton who collected five wickets for 12 runs, Martin Singh had three for no run and Andre Edwards had two for 23 runs as they were blasted out for 40 runs. Spartans got to the target with 43 for one in 4.4 overs as Hilroy Andrew top-scored with 26. The win has improved the Spartans net run rate which will play a key role in deciding the team that will progress to the semifinals.
CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles 94 for 9 | Pigotts Crushers 96 for 0
Pigotts Crushers beat Bethesda by 10 wickets as Vishal Gobin snapped up five wickets to dismiss the Golden Eagles for 94 runs. Teron Payne top-scored with 40 while William Pitman and Mekali Tonge contributed 13 and 12 respectively. In reply, Crushers romped home to the target with 28 overs to spare without losing a wicket, as Skipper Kadeem Henry stroked an unbeaten 48 and Deran Benta had 40 not out.
Jennings Tigers 183 for 8 | Combined 87 all out
Jennings were at one point teetering at 54 for six in 14 overs but their lower order came to the party and added 129 runs successfully batting the remaining overs, reaching 183 for eight from 36 overs. Kief Baltimore top-scored with 55, Morton Browne had 23 and Bassanio Joseph made 19. Kylano Isaac picked up two for 25 and Yanique Watley had two for 42. The Combined Schools were bowled out for 87 runs losing by 96 runs as Glenton Williams picked up five wickets for seven runs. George Elvin top scored with 30 and Watley had 19.
