IT was a near-perfect weather condition, compared to the weekend before when play was abandoned due to a persistent drizzle and dense fog. This time around, the Touring United cricket team left nothing to chance as they hammered their way to a 45-run win over Babonneau U-19s, as the curtains came down in the Ezekiel Joseph T-20 Cricket Tournament played on Sunday 29th April 2018 at the Des Barras playing field.
A large crowd had gathered to take in the showpiece and a combined 505 runs were scored for the loss of 15 wickets, as there was never a dull moment. In fact, spectators were running for shelter as it rained sixes galore to every part of the DBPF –all of 45, altogether.
Touring United batting first after losing the toss, went on a runs spree as they scored an imposing 272 for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs , with captain Jason Simon leading from the front with a well-played 75 off 20 balls which included seven towering sixes and 4 fours.
Before his destructive innings, Saint Lucia and Windward Islands Under-19 opening batsman, Dane Edward, had spectators running for shelter as he powered his way to a whirlwind 69 off 26 balls, which included nine sixes and two fours.
Man of the match Craig Emmanuel hit a quick firing 44 off 12 balls, with four sixes and four fours.
Other contributors with the bat were Wade Clovis batting at No. 6 who scored 22 from 7 balls, Alvin Lafeuille 20 and opener Jard Goodman 19.
Bowling for Babonneau Under-19s, Tyler Sookwa took 3 for 31, BenroyPappin 2 for 58, Quaine Henry 1 for 21 and Johnnel Eugene 1 for 44.
Chasing 273 for victory at a run rate of 13.95 runs per over, the Babonneau U-19s team started positively reaching 50 for 1 in 3.4 overs.
However, Craig Emmanuel having been struck for 13 runs in his first over, came back to pick up the valuable wicket of Vidal Crandon for 42 with the score on 48. Arlene Prospere was in at No.3, but did not last too long as he was out caught off the bowling of V. Preville for 3, score 54 for 2.
Babonneau U-19s’ 100 was posted in the 8th over, with Johnnel Eugene not out 20 and Quaine Henry not out 30. Henry was the next batsman out, caught off the bowling of Joseph for a well-played 45 that included seven fours and one six, 129 for 3 in 11.4 overs.
The 150 was posted in 12.3 overs, with Eugene quickly racing to his 50 off 24 balls that included four sixes and three fours; and Tyler Sookwa on 2. Eugene did not last too long after scoring his 50 and was out caught off the bowling of Emmanuel for 61 with the score 180 for 4 in the 15th over.
With 93 runs needed for victory in the last 5 overs at a run rate of 18.6 runs per over, it was count-down time. Tyler Sookwa was Emmanuel’s third victim caught on the long-off boundary for 21, 188 for 5, B. Pappin 1, S. Calderon 8, and a late flurry from C. Thomas who remained on 23 not out.
Bowling for Touring United, Craig Emmanuel picked up 4 for 34, and 1 wicket each for S. Joseph, D. Joseph, V. Preville, S. Joseph, W. Clovis.
Awards presented – Most runs – Kimani Melius 307 in three matches inclusive of two centuries 192 and 103.
Most wickets – Shervon Joseph with 11 wickets.
Most Valuable Player of the finals: Craig Emmanuel, 44 with the bat and picked up 4 for 34.
Third place trophy: Cacao and Des Barras (No result due to persistent drizzle and dense fog on Sunday 21).
Second place trophy and silverware: Babonneau U-19s
Champion trophy and gold medal: Touring United.
