Defending Champions PIC Liberta Blackhawks demonstrated their championship credentials with another commanding performance, this time against Tertiary Institutions (T.I). & Schools who were well schooled in their Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association Two-Day match on the weekend in the fourth round.
The Blackhawks’ bowling attack dismantled T.I. & Schools in their first innings, dismissing them for just 38 runs in 23 overs. Kadeem Phillip led the Blackhawks’ bowling effort with an impressive three wickets without conceding a run, while Javier Spencer (2/8) and Amahl Nathaniel (2/12) provided excellent support. Kaivalya Mishra top-scored for T.I. & Schools with 15 runs, while the rest of the batting lineup collapsed against the disciplined Blackhawks attack.
In response, PIC Liberta posted a dominant 215 for eight declared in 39.4 overs, with several batsmen making valuable contributions. Nathaniel led the scoring with 48 runs from 54 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Michael Greaves added 40 runs, while Phillip (38) and Elroy Francis Jr. (24) also chipped in. Mishra was the standout bowler for T.I. & Schools, claiming multiple wickets despite the onslaught.
Facing a first-innings deficit of 177 runs, Tertiary Institutions & Schools showed much better resilience in their second innings, posting 148 all out in 45 overs. Captain Dajari Barthley led from the front with 26 runs from 61 balls, including five boundaries. Yohance Marcellin contributed 25 runs at an impressive strike rate of 119.05, while Xanden Hobson added 23 runs. Phillip was again among the wickets, claiming 4/33, while Miandre James took 2/18.
At Bethesda, Dahri Francis‘ blistering century powered Jennings Tigers to a commanding victory over CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles in their weekend encounter. The Tigers’ wicketkeeper hammered 130 off just 88 deliveries in a sparkling innings that featured 11 boundaries and nine towering sixes. His explosive knock formed the cornerstone of the Tigers’ imposing first innings total of 251.
Glenton Williams provided able support with a patient 24, while Jedidiah Martin (22) and Shane Burton (21) made valuable contributions down the order. In reply, the Golden Eagles struggled against disciplined bowling, managing only 96 in their first innings. Shacoy Floyd top-scored with 28, while veteran fast bowler Gavin Tonge contributed 24 in a disappointing batting display.
Zavier Freeland was the pick of the Tigers’ bowlers, claiming four wickets, with Williams chipping in with three scalps. Forced to follow on, the Golden Eagles fared no better in their second innings, being dismissed for 79. James Cornelius showed some resistance with 24, but Tron Payne‘s quickfire 22 was the only other notable contribution.
All Saints Pythons defeated Pigotts Crushers by seven wickets after an outstanding performance from Captain Alzarri Joseph who made his impact felt. Pigotts Crushers managed only 124 in their first innings with Essan Warner top-scoring with 27 runs. Michael Marcellin led the Pythons’ bowling attack with 4/38, well-supported by Joseph who claimed 3/12. In response, Pythons posted 186 in their first innings, anchored by Sean Joseph Jr’s impressive 52 runs off 69 balls and Joseph contributed a quick-fire 42 runs at a strike rate of 161.54, including five sixes, while Kadeem Josiah added 32 runs. In their second time at the crease, Crushers were dismissed for 145 as Brandon Jn Baptiste (37) and Jewel Andrew (34) offered resistance, but Justin Robinson and Joseph each claimed four wickets.
The Pythons continued their dominance in the second innings, reaching 87/3 with Demetri Lucas scoring an aggressive 32 off 28 balls to secure the victory for All Saints.
In the New Winthorpes Lions versus Empire Nation encounter, Bartlette Henry‘s exceptional century in the second innings was the highlight. After struggling to 119 all out in their first innings, the Lions conceded a 59-run lead as Empire Nation posted 178. The Lions staged a remarkable comeback in their second innings, amassing 209 all out with Henry registering his maiden ton in the ABCA with a magnificent 111 runs from 104 balls, smashing 14 fours and five sixes. Facing a challenging target of 150, Empire Nation reached 52/3 before both captains agreed to a draw, with Empire taking first innings points.
At Rising Sun, Bolans Blasters displayed exceptional batting prowess against WES Rising Sun Spartans, posting a mammoth 323 for nine declared in their first innings. Former Leeward Islands batting all-rounder Orlando Peters was the standout performer with a magnificent 151 runs from 159 balls, smashing 13 fours and 8 sixes. Captain Taiem Tonge provided excellent support with 75 runs. In reply, Malique Jacobs stroked a well-played 67 in the home team’s 199 for nine declared before the match ended with no outright result.
