It aint over until the fat lady sings and one of the most intense cricket matches on the weekend was played out at the McPond playing which ultimately ended in heartbreak for Bethesda Golden Eagles against the All Saints Pythons in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association. James Cornelius recorded a remarkable 13-wicket haul across two innings for the Eagles, only to see his side fall agonizingly short by four runs.
Cornelius produced the most dominant bowling performance in the sixth round, claiming eight wickets in the Pythons’ first innings total of 170 as Michael Haynes Dover scored a crucial 64 and then followed up this feat with another fiver in the second innings as the Pythons collapsed to just 61 for nine with Dover stroking 32. The Eagles only managed to score 85 for eight in their first innings on the back of a stubborn 37 from Shacoy Floydbefore giving the Pythons a significant first innings lead. But with the double brilliance of Cornelius, the visitors were set a manageable target of 147.
Despite Cornelius’ heroics with the ball, the Eagles couldn’t convert his efforts into victory. At one point they seemed to be cruising to victory with score reading 138 for five but Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ fast bowling all-rounder Colin Archibald turned match-winner for the Pythons in the final stages. The left arm player bowled with pace and accuracy sending down yorkers one after the other as the Eagles’ run chase fell just short at 143 for nine, leaving Cornelius and his teammates devastated after coming so close to what would have been a well-deserved first win of the 2025 season.
At New Winthorpes, the Lions were back home on the weekend securing a roaring victory over the Bolans Blasters by 160 runs with stellar performances from in-form wicketkeeper batsman Bartlette Henry and Ishmael Peters proving decisive.
They established their dominance by posting an imposing 243 in their first innings, anchored by Henry‘s magnificent 123 from 86 deliveries, an innings that featured nine fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 143.02. Keeshan Daawuud provided valuable support with 41 runs, while Richie Thomas collected seven for 48 as the Blasters’ bowling attack struggled to contain the Lions’ batsmen.
In response, Bolans Blasters managed 184 in their first innings, with Shemar Wallace top-scoring with 38 and Gershum Phillip contributing 32. Captain Nino Henry was effective with the ball for the Lions, claiming four for 57.
Building on a first-innings lead of 59 runs, the Lions extended their advantage by amassing 212 for eight in their second innings. Ian Eusebe led the way with a patient 59 from 82 balls, while Bartlette Henry continued his fine form with 48. Dravid Richardson (37) and Nino Henry, who blasted 33 runs from just eight deliveries including 5 sixes, pushed the total to imposing levels.
Set a daunting target of 272 for victory, the Blasters were dismissed for 111, falling 160 runs short. Phillip fought valiantly with 36 from 59 balls, and captain Taiem Tonge contributed 22, but they received little support from other teammates against a disciplined Lions bowling attack. Peters claimed five wickets in the second innings, effectively sealing the comprehensive victory for the Lions.
The result pushes Lions into second position on 57 points, just six points behind the defending Champions, Liberta Blackhawks which will set up an intriguing encounter between the two clubs when the two meet on Saturday in the Lion’s Den (New Winthorpes).
PIC Liberta Blackhawks secured a hard-fought victory over Pigotts Crushers at Pigotts successfully defending their target thanks to a magnificent century from Michael Greaves and a ruthless bowling display from Kofi James.
After posting 191 in their first innings, the Blackhawks conceded a narrow lead when Crushers replied with 205 for nine, built around solid contributions from captain Uri Smith 88 and Tyree Moore 32.
The Blackhawks’ second innings was transformed by Greaves’ superb 107 from 116 deliveries (11 fours, 3 sixes) and Amahl Nathaniel‘s complementary 92, propelling them to 238 for six declared.
Set 224 to win, the Crushers battled to 141 all out, with Smith (36), Moore (35), and Brandon Jn Baptiste (30), but James proved unstoppable, claiming seven wickets to seal victory for the Blackhawks.
At Factory, Empire Nation were on the verge of victory against Jennings Tigers in another compelling contest that has swung back and forth over two days. However, the match was called off abruptly by the umpires.
The Tigers posted 194 in their first innings, with Dahri Francis top-scoring with 72 from 48 deliveries (9 fours, 3 sixes) and captain Paul Miller contributing 42. Glenton Williams was the pick of the Nation bowlers with four wickets.
Empire responded strongly, reaching 198 all out with Tyrone Williams Jr and Zianni Da Silva both scoring 53 to secure a slender first-innings advantage.
The Tigers’ second innings yielded 136, with Matthew Miller unbeaten on 41, setting Nation a target of 132 for victory. At stumps, they had progressed to 65 for two, with Tyrone Williams Jr (27) and Tanez Francis (19) at the crease, requiring just 67 more runs for victory.
An unfortunate incident occurred on the weekend with a match regarding Tertiary Institutions and Schools and Rising Sun Spartans in which the full points were awarded to the home side at the Rising Sun Grounds.
TIS amassed 266 all out in their first innings, as captain Kaivalya Mishra struck his third half century in his debut season with 71 from 90 balls and substantial contributions from Antwone Willock (34) and JQuan Athanaze (33). Wicketkeeper batter Junior Henry later starred with the ball for TIS, claiming five wickets.
The Spartans initially struggled in response, managing 113 for 4 after 18.1 overs, with Ryshon Williams‘ aggressive 72 from 40 deliveries (8 fours, 5 sixes) the lone bright spot.
It is alleged that an argument erupted on the field of play between members of the TIS team resulting in a few players leaving the field. When play resumed, there were not enough players present to take the field thus prompting the umpires to award the points to Rising Sun Spartans.
