20/20 cricket final ties in controversy

“Attackers have won; No it is a tie; the match has to be replayed “, were the comments during the near chaotic scenes that filled the grounds of the Victoria Park, just after 12 early last Sunday morning, at the conclusion of the National Lotteries 20/20 softball cricket competition.

Jubilant supporters and players of the Attackers team posed for the cameras, danced and made a half lap of victory confident they have pocketed the $3500, while their opponents South Rivers huddled for a brief moment then walked away dejectedly.{{more}}

But the application of the penalty run rule dampened Attackers’ celebrations and gave South Rivers a life line.

According to Umpires Ezekiel Clarke and Colbert Mc Donald, Attackers erred in completing their 20 overs in 71 minutes instead of the stipulated 65 minutes.

Competition rule captioned “Over rate penalty” states “All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of their 20 overs within 65 minutes. In the event of them failing to do so, the full quota of overs will be completed, and the batting side will be credited with six runs for every whole over that has not been bowled”.

Hence, South Rivers were awarded six runs.

This announcement incensed the Attackers’ outfit and their entourage resulting in an avalanche of unsavoury remarks of “cheat”, “thief”, as well as other coloured language directed at the organisers, umpires and scorers.

This spoiled an otherwise entertaining night of cricket under the lights.

It came down to the last over, with South Rivers needing 14 runs. Deighton Butler lifted Andre Hunte for a six off the fourth ball but he was caught behind by Kenroy Martin one ball later.

As if scripted, Marvin Small, like his teammates unaware of the happenings got a single off the last ball to see his team to 86 for 8 off their 20 overs. This proved to be a valuable run, as with the six run penalty leveled the scores at 92.

The star studded South Rivers in pursuit of 93 for victory, were pegged back in the early part of their innings by Attackers’ bowling arsenal, and some poor shots on their part. South Rivers struggled to keep up with the required run rate.

But a sixth wicket partnership between Butler and Winsbert Springer ,aided by several wide balls , gave South Rivers a glimmer of hope. Butler, surviving a chance topscored with 24, while Springer made 15.Trevor Bute was Attackers most successful bowler with 12.

The drama was set up, after Attackers had posted 92 for 8. Orlanzo Jackson body checked Attackers’ batting. He and Springer rocked their middle order taking. Jackson 3 for 13 and Springer 2 for 10, did the damage, after Martin had punched in 20.

Organisers have opted to pool the top cash prizes and share it between the two, with each in line to receive $3000 and the presentation ceremony planned for early April.

Attackers progressed to the final with an eight wicket win over Simple Boys. South Rivers’ final berth came when they beat RSVG Police.

RSVG Police, pre competition favourite, salvaged the third spot and $1500, when they beat Simple Boys by in the first of last Saturday’s double header. Police made 75 for 8, then dismissed Simple Boys for 59.

As it was at the beginning, so it was at the end, as the competition with all its hype only drew reasonable turn out at the opening February 9, and last Saturday.