Batsmen dominate opening matches of BCA 40-over

Five centuries and eight half-centuries were recorded after four matches in the Bahamas Cricket Association (BCA) 40-over league in Nassau. Some of the usual suspects: Jonathan Barry (148), Julio Jamieson (128), Ryan Tappin (103), and Marc Taylor (101) took advantage of perfect batting conditions over the three weekends to pass triple figures, and they were joined for the first time by Jagnauth Jagroo (103). Half-centuries also came from the bats of Kevin McInniss (95), Kevin Surujlall (65), Turan Brown (62), Albert Peters (61 not out, 56 not out), Heskett Dean (59), Earl Thomas (57) and G. Ganpat (56).

While the batsmen feasted the bowlers struggled, with only Andre Dos Ramos (six for 55) recording a five-wicket haul, although Gregory Taylor Jnr. and John Dolphin had four-wicket returns. 

Barry’s and Tappin’s exploits ensured Pacesetters a perfect 2-0 start to the league, while Jamieson and Marc Taylor also set up victories for St. Alban’s and Police Royals. Jagroo’s ton, for St. Agnes, was in a losing effort to Pacesetters. 

Jonathan Barry and Ryan Tappin

In the latest game (March 23), Pacesetters beat St. Agnes by 76 runs. The winners amassed 318 for nine in their 40 overs with Tappin hitting 103, Peters 61 not out, Kevin Surujlall 43 and Donovan Matthews 40. Dolphin claimed four wickets for 40 runs, including three in four deliveries. St. Agnes replied with 242 for nine in their quota of overs. Jagroo struck 103 and Brown 62 while Peters claimed three for 17. 

On March 16^th, St. Alban beat St. Agnes by 45 runs. St. Alban reached 335 for eight in 40, with Jamieson 128, Ganpat 59, and Sheridan McCoy 41 not out leading the way. St. Agnes’ reply ended at a spirited 290 in 39.3 overs with Heskett Dean making 59, Earl Thomas 57 and D. Cadogan 33. Dos Ramos claimed wickets consistently to end with six for 55 while McCoy took two for 38. 

On March 15^th, Pacesetters crushed Police Royals by 200 runs after amassing 370 for five in 35 overs. Barry’s 148, Surujlall’s 65 and Peters’ unbeaten 56 were the main scores against the two wickets each picked up by Greg Taylor Jnr. and R. Charles. Police’s reply ended at 170 for nine. McInniss made 95 and Mark Levy claimed three for 35. 

The first game of the league, on March 9, saw Police whipping St. George by eight wickets. St. George were dismissed for 188 in 23.4 overs with Jermaine Adderley making 30, and Greg Taylor Jnr. and Marc Taylor claiming four for 36 and three for 44 respectively. Police raced to 189 for two in 12.4 overs thanks to Marc Taylor who blasted 101. McInniss also contributed an unbeaten 49. 

Two more matches are scheduled for this weekend, at the same venue, the Haynes Oval on Bay Street.

MP Pacesetters win BCA T20

Despite the heroics of Wycliff Atkinson the Medical Pavilion Pacesetters emerged winners of the Bahamas Cricket Association’s T2 with a 27-run victory over Western’s in the final at the Haynes Oval on Bay Street.

Medical Pavilion Pacesetters

The margin of victory does not reflect the tension prevalent during most of Western’s innings as Atkinson led his team towards what seemed inevitable victory. Chasing the formidable 190 for five in 20 overs made by Pacesetters, Western were cruising at 149 for four in the 15th over with the rampaging Atkinson on 86 when it happened. The unorthodox right hander, who struck six sixes, an equal number of fours, and a five, had already taken 16 from Kevin Surujlal’s final over when he top edged a sweep for Narendra Ekanakaye to pouch, running to his left at short third-man. To say the floodgates were opened and Pacesetters swept through them would be an understatement. Three more wickets fell without addition to the score and the new champions duly wrapped up the victory in the final over.

Atkinson was supported in his efforts by Liston who hit 33 in a fourth wicket stand of 83 after Western were reduced to 46 for three. Pacesetters’ captain Albert Peters was the most successful bowler with three for 41 while Lee Melville had two for 29, and there was a wicket each for Ekanayake and Mark Levi who was most economical, conceding 18 runs from his four overs.  Surujlal, whose four overs cost a whopping 54 runs, took consolation in the fact that he removed both Liston and Atkinson.

Earlier, Pacesetters were indebted to half-centuries from openers Renford Davson (54 with 8 fours and 2 sixes) and Ryan Tappin (64 with 10 fours and a six) for their impressive total. The pair posted 123 for the first wicket before Jonathon Barry (36) provided the late flourish.