Team Rivals aim for four straight national T/20 cricket titles

Team Rivals reached their fourth National Lotteries Authority Neil Williams Twenty/20 cricket finals in a row when they beat Police Two in their semi-final on Sunday at Arnos Vale One, to set up a meeting with Lime Radcliffe on Sunday, March 6, at the Park Hill Playing Field.{{more}}

Rivals, who have won the three previous titles, batted first and posted 141 for 7 from their 20 overs; Harley Skerritt made 55 and Casmond Walters – 38.

Kenroy Martin had 2 for 23 and Darius Martin – 2 for 25, bowling for Police Two.

Donson Andrews – 37 and Mc Leon Williams – 35 were the lone forms of resistance, as Police Two were limited to 107 for 7 from their 20 overs. Casmond Walters and Olanzo Jackson both took 2 for 19.

Rivals’ opponents in the final Lime Radcliffe outclassed the News Spartans by in the second semis.

Radcliffe amassed 210 for 1 from their 20 overs. Drumo Toney was 120 not out and Romano Pierre, 79 not out, sharing a record partnership of 202. Toney smashed nine fours and nine sixes in his 65-ball knock, while Pierre smacked nine fours and a six from 55 balls. Both rode their luck as they benefitted from a number of chances.

Spartans, who never showed up on the day, were dismissed for 64, undone by the bowling of Delorn Johnson – 3 for 12, Lindon James – 2 for 15 and Westrick Straugh – 2 for 19, as Radcliffe won by 146 runs.

All four teams were coming off varying wins the day before in the quarter-finals.

At Arnos Vale Two, Team Rivals beat Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO by 107 runs.

Rivals scored 211 for 3 from 16 overs, as the match was reduced because of rain. Asif Hooper stroked 81, Hyron Shallow, 51, not out and Marvin Small, 31.

ASCO in reply made 104 for 9 from their 16 overs. Desron Maloney top scored with 27, as Casmond Walters snapped up 4 for 24 and Roneil Jeffrey – 3 for 28.

Lime Radcliffe, however, had to take it to the last ball to oust Guardian General Saints at Arnos Vale One.

Saints rallied to 151 for 7; Joey Welcome-Liverpool got 49, and Jerron John – 42 not out.

Richie Richards – 2 for 19 and Dyke Cato – 2 for 32 were Radcliffe’s most successful bowlers.

Radcliffe replied with 153 for 9 to win by one wicket. Richie Richards – 32, Rodney Lawrence – 28 and Westrick Straugh – 27 not out combined to send their team to the last four.

Kellon Davis had 3 for 27 and Damual Phillips – 2 for 36, bowling for Saints.

At Park Hill, Spartans got the better of previous winners and last year’s losing finalist Victors One by three runs.

Spartans scored 171 for 5, with veteran batsman Dawnley Joseph stroking 32 and Ronaldo Coombs and Seon Sween – 25 apiece.

Victors One’s reply stopped at 168 for 8. Lauron Francois made 64 and Donwell Hector – 54.

Spartans’ top bowlers were Basil Andrews – 4 for 37 and Kissinger Mc Lean – 3 for 30.

And, at Sion Hill, Police Two registered a 32-run triumph over Northern Stars.

Police Two put together 117. Donson Andrews got 40. Kimani Williams took 4 for 24 and Wilando Samuel – 3 for 20.

Northern Stars scored 85; Elron Lewis topped with 45. Elmore Alexander took 5 for 11 and Romario Bibby – 3 for 13.(RT)