Team Rivals complete the treble

Team Rivals hit the right notes and were all in unison as they added the National Lotteries Authority Neil Williams T-20 Cricket title to their 2013 trophy cabinet.{{more}}

The rare treble in local cricket was attained last Sunday at the Park Hill Playing Field, when Team Rivals squeezed out LIME Radcliffe by five wickets.

It was Rivals’ third lien on the 20/20 trophy in four years, having previously won in 2010 and 2011.

The T-20 title adds to Rivals joint share of the Premier Division top spot and their copping of the inaugural Super-40 competition.

Rivals crowned off a successful year — a year in which they are celebrating 40 years of existence, having been formed in 1973, then known as Richmond Hill United.

And, no one was more delighted than the team’s founding father Carlos Veira.

“I am happy that we did the triple….All along we knew we could win, as we play as professionals… Every time we play, we meet before and after each game where we discuss our failures ….Look at our team as compared to the other teams…. We have coloured clothing and even have pads to match the clothes,” Veira boasted.

“We play as a unit; that is why we changed our name from Rivals to Team Rivals… Do you hear Rivals out there cursing and carrying on?” Veira stated.

Veira said that he has witnessed every match except two that Rivals has played since 1974.

Rivals, then named Richmond Hill, began in the Narvo Shield in 1974 and were promoted to the Fraser Neckles Competition in 1987.

These competitions have since been renamed the First and Premier Divisions, respectively.

Veira said that the titles secured this year add to five divisional titles, as well as five won in the now defunct Sunday League.

But, it was all Team Rivals on Sunday, as they dismissed LIME Radcliffe for 107 all out in 19.3 overs. Andrew Thomas – 41 and Rodney Lawrence – 29, were Radcliffe’s top contributors with the bat.

Bowling for Team Rivals, Olanzo Jackson had 4 for 22 and Asif Hooper 3 for 17.

Team Rivals, in reply, made 108 for 5 in 18.3 overs. Man of the Match Harley Skerritt struck 39. Dyke Cato took 2 for 15 and Andrew Thomas 2 for 20.

Team Rivals on Saturday defeated Triumph Cricket Club by 105 runs in their semi-final match-up at Park Hill.

Rivals posted 166 for 6 off 20 overs. Harley Skerritt was 78 not out, Anson Latchman 32; Rangel Small took 4 for 40.

Triumph United Cricket Club were 61 all out in 17.2 overs; Travis Cumberbatch made 26.

Casmond Walters grabbed 4 for 5, Deighton Butler 2 for 3 and Olanzo Jackson 2 for 12.

On the other hand, Radcliffe defeated Victors One by 84 runs at Stubbs.

Radcliffe scored 176 for 3 off 17 overs; Drumo Toney hit 61, Lindon James 46 not out and Rodney Lawrence 42 not out.

Alston Bobb was the pick of Victors One’s bowling with 2 for 19.

Victors One was stopped at 92 for 9 off 17 overs; Donwell Hector and Seon Sween both hit 26.

Dyke Cato bagged 4 for 8 for Radcliffe.(RT)