Centuries reign on rainy weekend

It has become almost habitual that a century is scored almost each weekend of this year’s national cricket competition, but last weekend four persons made triple figures.

The latest to add to the growing list were Lynden James, Hollis James, Atticus Browne and Marcus John.{{more}}

Despite the rainy conditions that affected the island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and senior Windward Islands wicketkeeper Lynden James slammed 102, to push RBTT Premier Division title hopeful Radcliffe to 276 for 6 declared against the struggling Police One at the Sion Hill Playing Field

A knock that saw James strike 14 fours. He was however fortunate having survived a chance early in his innings. Wayne Harper, one of this country’s Under-19 selectees, made 79.

Breton Smith was Police’s most successful bowler with 4 for 92.

At their turn, Police occasional offspinner Mahlon John again ran rings around local batsmen taking another five wicket haul. This time he bagged 6 for 52 to take his tally to 34.

A heavy shower just before two o’clock on Sunday scared Radcliffe, with Police 144 for 8, but the skies cleared and the lawmen were dismissed for 182. Gosnel Cupid topscored with 53 and Renrick Cato, 38, as Radcliffe took first innings points.

But it was a no-decision at the Arnos Vale Playing Field between the 2006 champions, Police Two and Saints.

Police amassed 320 for 6 declared. Mc Leon Williams, 90, Salvan Browne, 80, O’Neil Thomas, 48 and Othneil Baptiste, 40, were their principal batsmen. Brenslee Bobb, 3 for 22 and Roger Gibson, 2 for 62, were Saints’ successful bowlers.

Saints reached 246 for 4. Felix Greaves lashed 93 and Isaac Haywood, 68. Baptiste took 2 for 45 and Elmore Alexander, 2 for 68.

The high scoring did not escape the Bottlers First Division. Hollis James, 102, which included 7 fours and 2 sixes, Marcus John, 100, laced with 11 fours and a six and Rodney Lawrence, 55 not out, powered Unique Warriors to 315 for 3 declared against Radcliffe Two. Conroy Ryan, 3 for 15, Lawrence, 2 for 0 and Samuel Byam, 2 for 10 routed Radcliffe for 69 in their first innings. Following on Radcliffe made 70 in their second. Ryan, 4 for 12 and Byam, 4 for 14, crafted their team’s innings and 176 runs triumph.

The other century maker was the St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Windwards Under-19 player Atticus Browne (right), who slammed 101 for Victors Two. Browne’s innings saw him striking 14 fours. Javed Harry chipped in with 35. Roneil Jeffery, 3 for 51 and Jamal Jeffery, 2 for 61, were Packers’ main wicket takers. In reply Packers were bowled out for 176. Calrick Ferdinand led the way with 41. Kevin Abraham took 4 for 59. Victors were 88 for 4 in their second innings.

But frontrunners Log Masters had to settle for a no-decision against Belmont. Log Masters led by Elson Crick’s 55 not out, Bradley Brooker, 44 and Samuel Williams, 43, reached 263 for 9 declared. Selwyn Caine took 4 for 69 and Christopher Campbell, 2 for 55. Belmont reached 154 for 7. Curtis King made 55 not out and Jamal Bradshaw, 38. Aaron Bascombe, 2 for 27 and Lynton Greaves, 2 for 33, bowling for Log Masters.