Led by an enterprising 91 from national middle-order batsman Narsingh Deonarine, Albion Community Centre were able to defeat their arch rivals Port Mourant Community Centre by 60 runs to regain the Balram Shane trophy last Sunday.
In the game which was reduced to 30 overs due to overnight and early morning rain, Albion won the toss and electing to take first strike in overcast conditions before an appreciative crowd, reached 181-6, thanks to Deonarine who came to the wicket with his team shakily placed on 65-3 in the 15th over, to crack eight fours and two sixes in his 91 after receiving two lives at 21 and 38.
He waged a virtual one man battle and along with Imran Khan who had earlier clubbed a boundary-studded 18 which included 3×4 and 1×6, took the fight to the Port Mourant bowling led by fast bowler Yougendra Harrinarine, who continued his fine form with the ball to snare 3-24 from six overs.
In their turn at the crease, Port Mourant found it hard to get on top of the Albion bowlers and ended on 121-8 in their 30 overs despite Homchand Pooran’s 41(3×4, 1×6) and Parsram Tilkuram 37(3×4).
Bowling for Albion national leg spinner Davendra Bishoo took 2-16 while Deonarine returned with the ball to claim 2-23, thus producing a solid all-round game for his team.
At the presentation ceremony that followed, Deonarine Balram, proprietor of Balram Shane General Store in Rose Hall Town, made the presentation on behalf of the family and stated that the family was very pleased to be able to give back to the community from which they obtain much support. He also pledged to continue supporting this and other competitions and community activities.
Albion was presented with the beautiful Balram Shane Memorial trophy and $15,000 while Deonarine received both the man-of-the match and the best batsman award respectively and Harrinarine the best bowler award.
