Smashers cop national First Division cricket title

Smashers have copped the National Lotteries Authority First Division of the national cricket programme, staged by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association.{{more}}

It was a walk in the park last Sunday for Smashers at the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field, defeating French Verandah SVG Community College by eight wickets.

The pumped SVG Community College was deflated for 95 in 22.2 overs. Tijoun Pope stroked 4 fours and 2 sixes in his top score of 29.

The students were schooled by the bowling of Darren Russell, who took 5 for 42 and Javon Samuel – 2 for 36.

Romano Charles then blasted 4 sixes in his knock of 42 not out, to see Smashers to 98 for 2 in 16.3 overs. Deptor Culzac was also unbeaten on 19.

Smashers got to the final by whipping Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors by 125 runs in the semi-final, played on Saturday at the same venue.

Darren Russell hit 64, while Ozico Williams and Deptor Culzac both scored 38, to lead Smashers to 220 all out in 30.3 overs.

Bowling for Unique Warriors, Reginald Jeffrey snared 4 for 67; Samuel Holder took 2 for 31 and Leon Samuel – 2 for 45.

In reply, Unique Warriors were sent packing for 95 in 19.5 overs. Leon Samuel scored 32.

Unique Warriors’ batting was unravelled by the bowling of Javon Samuel – 3 for 28, Kenneth Lewis – 3 for 46, Courtney Joyette – 2 for 8 and Darren Russell – 2 for 11.

Despite, winning the title, Smashers will not be promoted to the Premier Division, as the decision was taken not to do so by the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines, as they aim to have only six teams in that division.

However, Smashers will compete in the upcoming Super-40 competition, which involves the three top finishers in the Premier Division – Lime Radcliffe, Team Rivals and Victors One.(RT)