SPORTS
Jonathan Ramnansingh
Fatima College got off to a flying start to their PowerGen High School Cricket League 2023 campaign on Thursday as they cruised to an emphatic 139-run win over reigning champions Shiva Boys’ Hindu College when the action of the first round took place at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.
Zachary Siewah’s stellar knock of 98 pushed Fatima to 237/5 from 44 overs, batting first. The strong total proved too much for the 2019 winners, who failed to show much fight and eventually capitulated for 98 in 38.2 overs.
Siewah led the batting attack for Fatima and was ably assisted by Niall Maingot (41), Joshua Davis (27) and Adrian Mahase (25 not out).
Sachin Nandlal (3/36) and Raoul Goolie (2/42) were the best bowlers for Shiva Boys.
On their side at the crease, Shiva Boys lost wickets in succession, with Goolie (24) ending up as their top scorer.
Fatima’s Davis also excelled with the ball as she took 2/6 from nine overs, which included five maidens. Aditya Ramdeen (2/18), Caiden Mack (2/29) and Siewah (2/20) also claimed two wickets each in the one-sided affair. In the other premiership opener, Presentation College Chaguanas also registered a hard-fought 160-run win over Vishnu Hindu Boys College in Endeavour, Chaguanas.
Two half-centuries from Dillon Balkaran (52) and Adam Furlonge (51) launched the ‘Pres’ to 236/8, with Rajesh Maharaj (31) and Justin Jagessar (29) also contributing.
Aidan Lakhansingh (3/52) and Aaron Basant (2/51) led the Vishnu Boys bowling.
In reply, Vishnu Boys were bowled out for 76 in 31.3 overs, with Sanjicv Balliram (31) leading the futile charge. Presentation’s Zachary Madray (2/7) was their best player.
And at Lewis Street in San Fernando, home side Naparima College made amends for their poor performance of 148 all out from 41 overs, dismissing St Mary’s College for 68 in 24 overs, to seal an 80-run triumph.
Naparima batted first and were led to half-centuries by Fareez Ali (57) and captain Kyle Ramdoo (40). Rahul Lakhan (3/29) and Reuel Williams (3/43) were the pick of the bowlers for CIC.
On their part at the crease, St Mary’s struggled to forge partnerships with Rahul Soodeen (11) top scoring. ‘Naps’ Ali showed good form with the ball as he took 2/11 and was assisted by Liam Mamchan (2/12).
The matches of the second round in the Premier League championship, in the north and in the south, will be concluded on Tuesday.
Other results
Southern Championship
ASJA BOYS CHARLIEVILLE 275 (32.4) – Sadiq Ali 69, Kristiano Sampson 37; Ricardo Wilson 3/35, Jacquin Adams 3/109 vs MIRACLE MINISTRIES 64 (19.3) – J. Adams 34; Christian Lall 5/18. Asja Boys won by 211 runs
