CHARLESTOWN Nevis, February 23rd 2011 - From an all time high after defeating Pennyless All stars last week, Giant killer SDA Jets nose dived out of the Bozo 10/10 tournament last evening as they came up against the defending champions Highlights.
Jets won the toss and elected to take first strike and were off to an enterprising start with Oneil ‘Bonzo’ Walters helping himself to a free hit boundary off Ian Byron’s first over. However, in the very next over bowled by Captain Dennison Browne, Curtis Morton Sr was comprehensively yorked for 1 and then Jets captain Venrick Newton followed shortly after, caught behind off Winston Sutton.
Enter Leon Clarke, the Kittitian guest player. He was the star of the last game and immediately stamped his authority on the match. First ball up, he promptly dispatched Wendell Wallace straight back over his head for six. Later he struck Nigel Browne for three boundaries in one over and did the same to Winston Sutton in another. He shared in a face saving partnership with Charles Morton who also batted well for his time at the crease.
It took a superb catch by Dennison Browne to get the rid of Clarke. He heaved mightily to cow’s corner. The ball went miles into the air but Browne remained calm as he settled under it and took it close to the boundary.
The Jets eventually got to 102 from their 10 overs.
The Highlights team however, came out roaring on all cylinders from the first ball.
Carlon Smithen and Duan Phillip shared a couple of early sixes off the bowling of Leon Clarke to get the innings off to a rollicking start. However, it was Dennison Browne who led the way with a superb display of batting; confidently lashing his opposing skipper, Venrick Newton for two lusty sixes to finish the game in only the eight over. Highlights effectively qualifying for the grand finals scheduled for Thursday 24th February.
Summarized scores: SDA Jets 102 for 4 in 10 overs: Leon Clarke 45; Charles Morton 21*; Jaston Liburd 10 *
The wickets were shared between Dennison Browne; Wendell Wallace; Winston Sutton and Ian Byron
Highlights 103 for 2 in the 8th over: Dennison Browne 35*; Carlon Smithen 19 and Duan Phillip 10
Leon Clarke 2 for 35.
In the second game of the evening, Empire moved on to the semi final stage in their round of matches, by eventually squeezing home to a victory against a very competitive Big Rock team.
Empire batted first and scored 97 for 3 from their 10 overs with the experienced Junior Duncan Mills leading the way with a superb 45 not out. Andre Browne who shared in a fine opening partnership with him was run out for 28.
Empire 97 for 3 from their allotted 10 overs.
Ravi collected 2 wickets and Annan 1.
Matthew and Rakesh threatened to take the game away from the Empire men in the middle overs but 21 required from the final over, proved a bit much for the Guyanese team. They succumbed at 80 for 4 at the end of their 10 overs.
Matthew top scored with 27 not out and Rakesh scored a fiery 18 before he was run out.
Herbert and Phillip collected 1 wicket each.
Empire will now play Jessups in semi final two this afternoon, starting at 4.30 pm.
