The third round of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s Two Day Competition resumed on the weekend with wins for the top four teams being the Liberta Blackhawks, Empire Nation, New Winthorpes Lions and Jennings Tigers. There were notable performances from Leeward Islands all rounder Kofi James who registered his first century of the season.
A derby encounter between Champions PIC Liberta Blackhawks and All Saints Pythons, saw the Blackhawks dominate with stellar batting performances across both innings. The match was highlighted by Kofi James‘s exceptional batting display, who shone in both innings.
The Blackhawks set a commanding tone in their first innings, posting 214 for three in 36.3 overs. James led the charge with a magnificent 137 off 117 balls, including 6 fours and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 117.09. He found able support from Michael Greaves, who contributed 38 runs from 46 deliveries. Captain Elroy Francis Jr remained unbeaten on 22.
In response, All Saints Pythons managed 149 all out in 38.1 overs. Demetri Lucas top-scored with 43, while Sean Joseph Jr and Conroy Semple made valuable contributions of 27 and 26 runs respectively. Chamiqueko Landerfort proved to be the most effective bowler for the Blackhawks, taking three for 52 runs.
The Blackhawks continued their batting dominance in the second innings, declaring at 137/5 in 23.5 overs. James once again showcased his sublime form followed up with 69 runs off 54 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes. Greaves added 27 runs, while Francis Jr contributed 25. Kadeem Josiah was the pick of the bowlers for the Pythons, claiming three wickets.
All Saints Pythons’ set 203 for victory in their second innings, saw them struggle to 58 all out in 18.1 overs. The innings was marked by several starts but no significant scores, with Josiah and Michael Haynes Dover both scoring 10 runs each. Landerfort continued his good bowling form, taking four for 23 runs, while Francis Jr and James provided good support with two wickets each. The 144 runs victory kept the Blackhawks firmly in first place after three rounds.
Another derby contest between New Winthorpes Lions and Pigotts Crushers saw Lions secure their second win of the season which pushes them into third place on 30 points behind the Empire Nation (32).
The Lions opened strongly in their first innings, accumulating 181 for nine in 45.2 overs. Demari Benta anchored the innings with a well-crafted 54 off 61 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. Ishmael Peters contributed a solid 31 from 71 deliveries, while Jermaine Otto provided late fireworks with a quickfire 30 off just 20 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes. The Crushers’ bowling attack was led by Jalen Harris, who claimed two wickets while conceding 52 runs.
Pigotts Crushers responded with 112 all out in 29.4 overs. Ronnel Jeffrey top-scored with an aggressive 29 runs from 23 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes. Glen Williams and Essan Warner both contributed 18 runs each. The Lions’ bowling was particularly effective, with Orandel Boston and Ishmael Peters taking four and five wickets respectively.
The Lions’ dominance continued in their second innings as they posted an imposing 246 for eight in 54.1 overs. Bartlette Henry played a magnificent innings of 83 from 80 balls, featuring 10 fours and 2 sixes. Ian Eusebe added 40 runs, while Dravid Richardsoncontributed 38. Warner proved to be the most successful bowler for the Crushers, taking four wickets.
In their second innings chase, Pigotts Crushers showed great resilience, scoring 204/10 in 40.2 overs. Tyree Moore led the charge with 43, while Jeffrey added an explosive 37 off 18 deliveries, including one four and five sixes. Brandon Jn Baptiste contributed 25 runs. The Lions’ bowling attack maintained their discipline, with Benta claiming two for 16.
A lopsided match between Bolans Blasters and Empire Nation, saw the title contenders Empire pick up a massive triumph over their opponents winning by an innings and 102 runs.
The Blasters’ first innings yielded just 79 all out in 31.5 overs, with Mervin Higgins top-scoring with a patient 15 from 65 balls. Nazair Naheem Williams contributed 11 runs, while Richie Thomas remained unbeaten on 14. Nation’s bowling attack proved effective, with Justin Athanaze capturing three wickets, while Yanique Watley and Michael Harilall claimed two wickets each.
Empire Nation responded emphatically in their first innings, posting 212 for seven in 45.3 overs. Damian Lowenfield led the charge with 69 while Tyrone Williams Jr provided excellent support with 42. Derek Mourillon emerged as the most successful bowler for the Blasters, taking three wickets for 58 runs.
The Blasters’ struggles continued in their second innings as they were dismissed for a paltry 31 all out in 21.5 overs as Micah McKenzie snapped up six wickets.
Jennings Tigers collected their first win of the season defeating Tertiary Institutions & Schools by nine wickets. The match showcased several notable individual achievements and momentum shifts throughout the match.
In their first innings, Tertiary Institutions & Schools posted a solid 158 all out in 64 overs. Hosea Roberts top scored with 31, Ronaldo Antigua 28, and Antwone Willock 29 runs. The Jennings Tigers’ bowling attack was led by Zavier Freeland, who claimed four for 39 runs and Matthew Miller, three for 24.
Jennings Tigers responded forcefully in their first innings, amassing 175 for nine in 31.4 overs, highlighted by Dahri Francis‘ explosive 67 runs from just 37 balls, including four fours and seven sixes. Paul Miller, the captain, added a valuable 30 runs, while Jahiem Africa contributed 23 runs. Kaivalya Mishra claimed 6 wickets for 63 runs.
The second innings saw Tertiary Institutions & Schools struggle to build momentum, managing only 56 all out in 25.4 overs. JQuan Athanaze provided some resistance with 26 runs, while Xanden Hobson added 18 to the total. Glenton Williams took five wickets for four runs to add to the three for 21 he took in the first innings.
The Tigers were set a target of 40 in their second innings, and reached 40 for one after 8.3 overs with Bassanio Joseph unbeaten on 19.
CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles hosted the WES Rising Sun Spartans in Bethesda securing their points of the season when they won the first innings.
The Golden Eagles posted a substantial 191 all out in their first innings, anchored by a marathon innings from Shacoy Floyd, who scored 75 runs from 147 balls with 7 fours. Young fast bowling sensation Mekali Tonge provided excellent support with 44 runs off 76 deliveries, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, while Andre Edwards was the standout bowler for the Spartans, claiming four for 41 runs.
WES Rising Sun Spartans responded with 127 all out in 32.3 overs. Junior Henry topscored with 34 with Tonge being the pick of the bowlers for the Golden Eagles, taking two wickets.
In their second innings, the Golden Eagles maintained their momentum, reaching 107 for three in 17 overs. Tron Payne dominated the innings with an unbeaten 67 off 63 balls, featuring 6 fours and 3 sixes. Kevin Pitman provided good support with 23 runs before falling to Junior Henry, who was the most successful bowler with three wickets.
