Jennings Tigers and defending Champions, Liberta Blackhawks continued their winning form in victorious fashion on Saturday in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s 40 Overs Tournament. There were also wins for Pigotts Crushers and New Winthorpes Lions.
Blackhawks defeated All Saints Pythons by five wickets at Ball Beef, Liberta. Batting first, the Pythons were explosive with Michael Haynes-Dover launching a blistering assault, racing to 38 from just 34 balls while Sean Joseph Jr contributed a steady 26 as they could only post 158 all out with Kofi James doing the bulk of the damage collecting five for 47. The home side then raced to 160 for five with 17 overs to spare, as Deran Benta produced a masterclass of controlled aggression. The experienced batsman remained unbeaten on 78, anchoring the innings with calculated risks and precise shot selection. Brent Joseph (15) and Hayden Walsh Jr (28*) provided valuable support.
At Bethesda, Pigotts Crushers delivered the day’s most dominant display, crushing CUB Bethesda Golden Eagles by a staggering 140 runs.
The Crushers’ batting lineup fired on all cylinders, with Shacoy Floyd leading the charge with a commanding 54 from 86 balls. The opener’s innings featured 4 boundaries and provided the foundation for a massive total. Uri Smith contributed a valuable 48 and Joshua Grant cracked 33. Veteran leg spinner Anthony Martin showcased his class picking up five for 19 as the Crushers were dismissed for 217 all out.
The Golden Eagles’ response was nothing short of disastrous. Only Tron Payne (16) and Gavin Tonge (12) reached double figures as the batting lineup capitulated spectacularly. The Crushers’ bowling attack was relentless and disciplined. The hosts were bowled for just 77 runs in 23.4 overs, with outstanding bowling figures from Dion Samuel who grabbed four for 16 while Tyree Moore had three for 20.
Jennings Tigers continued their impressive run with a commanding 120-run victory over Tertiary Institutions at home, showcasing the depth and quality that has made them title contenders.
Malique Jacobs top-scored with 42 from 37 balls, Matthew Miller (30), Jahiem Africa (27) and Glenton Williamscontributed a solid 24, ensuring regular contributions throughout the innings. The Tigers reached 221 in 34.2 overs before they were bowled out. The innings included 45 extras, with 29 wides highlighting some indiscipline from the Tertiary bowling attack. Tazio Watson and Xanden Hobson were the best bowlers on show with four for 26 and three for 33 respectively.
Tertiary Institutions’ reply began poorly and never recovered momentum. Hosea Roberts fought valiantly with 32 from 70 balls, showing tremendous determination in difficult circumstances and received support from Hobson who made a quickfire 29 from 19 balls. However, partnerships proved elusive as wickets fell regularly. Tertiary Institutions were bowled out for 101 in 26.4 overs, unable to build the partnerships necessary for a competitive chase. New kid on the block, Grayson Cuffy snapped up four for 21 while Bassanio Joseph grabbed three for 19.
In the day’s most dramatic conclusion, New Winthorpes secured a two-wicket victory over Empire Nation in a low-scoring thriller at home.
Empire Nation, batting first, struggled throughout but Damian Lowenfield was the only batter to offer any real resistance with counterattacking 57 from 48 balls as Nation capitulated to 131 all out in 23.4 overs. The chief destroyer was Demari Bentawho collected five for 24 with the support of Ishmael Peters who had three for 11.
In reply, the home side struggled to build substantial partnerships on a challenging surface. Jermaine Otto’s 16 from 29 balls was the top score, with several batsmen making starts but failing to convert. At 32 for four, Cameron Pennyfeatherbrought stability to the crease when he met Benta with the two putting on a 53-run partnership. The two were then dismissed in quick fashion, leaving the Empire another opportunity with them reeling at 87 for six. However, Captain Nino Henry came to the rescue as customary and smashed 30 to help his side overhaul the target with two wickets to spare to get to 132 for eight in 30.4 overs. J’quan Athanaze collected three for 40 with Tanez Francis and Michael Harilall taking two apiece.
