Lusignan `A’ were crowned the inaugural champions of the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club/Banks Beer 100-ball tournament after they defeated Enmore by eight wickets in Sunday’s final while Lusignan `B’ won the third place playoff against Fairfield earlier in the day.
In front of a boisterous crowd, home team Enmore batted first but were subdued with disciplined bowling scampering to 108-6 from their quota before Lusignan `A’ entertained the gathering with some aggressive running and big hitting, eventually reaching 109-2 with 14 balls to spare.
Enmore skipper, Bhemraj Ramkelawan and Imran Hassan got their side off to a flyer, putting on 38 for the first wicket with 26 and 17 respectively while Amir Khan chipped in with 14. This laid the foundation for Vishwanauth Ramlakan to come in and play his natural game, effectively top scoring with 27. He was supported by Yurav Dyal with 10.
Rajpaul Gopaul took 2-8 from his three overs and was supported by Jason Heyliger (2-21) and Kumar Bishundial (2-15).
In reply, Robin Williams and Gavin Boodwah looked to be batting on a different surface with almost every ball hit on the outfield racing towards the boundary ropes. The pair added 44 in six overs with Boodwah hitting Christopher Surat for two fours and a six in one over before holding out to mid-off for 24.
Williams carried on to hit three fours and one six during his top score of 29, earning him the Man-of-the-Final award before he was caught at mid-off.
Krishna Deosaran and Vishnu Ramjeet never lost momentum and steered their side home, both ending unbeaten on 22 and sharing in an unbroken third wicket partnership of 45 to help their team take home the $100,000 first prize.Enmore took home the second prize of $50,000.
The successful captain, commended Enmore for a good clean contest but opined that his team played the better cricket on the day. He also thanked the organisers for a good tournament.
Banks DIH outdoor event manager, Mortimer Stewart said he likes the new idea of 100 balls tournament adding that his company was pleased to be associated with the development of young players. He also committed the company to sponsoring next year’s tournament.
Earlier in the day, Lusignan `B’ defeated Fairfield by seven wickets to walk away with the title despite rain interruption.
Fairfield batted first, posting 116-7 with Ramnarine Chatura top scoring with 38, sharing in a 56-run opening stand with Leon Targoonchandrue who made 16. Wazim Mustapha and Richard Chatura adding 13 and 15 respectively. Navin Persaud was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-13 while Ferron Kadir took 2-26.
In reply, Shazam Ali hammered 61 not out consisting of six fours and a lone six after facing 45 balls to power his team to victory. Persaud was also unbeaten on 16 while Tameshwar Motiram made 18.
