SPORTS

By-Rite stay on course for championship

Omar Bryan returns to the pavilion after hitting the
winning runs against Police

A happy By-Rite captain David Wight (in hat) shares the
joy of victory with Anthony Dawes (left) and Omar
Bryan (right)

Opener Zitroy Robertson plays into the on-side during
his innings of 44

Friday, April 30, 2004

By-Rite remained in contention for the Money Express division one title after beating Police by three wickets with just three balls to spare at the Jimmy Powell Oval last Sunday.

Set 233 for victory after restricting Police to 232 for six off 48 overs, By-Rite replied with 235 for seven from 47.3 overs.

Victory came when left-hander Omar Bryan, better known for his off-spin bowling, pulled a short delivery from Pearson Best for four. It was the second boundary of the over. The other came in the first ball through a massive mistake by big Daniel “Massive” Morris whose fielding error at mid-on turned what would have been a tight single into four runs.

By Rite started the final over needing just five for victory and their slice of luck off the first delivery immediately relieved the pressure on the batsmen.

It was a disappointing end to what started as a great day for Morris. The burly opener slammed five sixes and three fours in an innings of 85. He dominated an opening stand of 142 with David Crawford who batted patiently for 61. Crawford’s innings included five fours.

Pearson Best, Ryan Bovell and Everton Browne all reached double figures before falling to off-spinner Anthony Dawes who picked up all six wickets that fell while conceding 47 runs from eight overs.

Ainsley Hall gave By-Rite an enterprising start with a well paced half century that included two sixes and four fours. When he was caught by Bovell off left-arm spinner Cleve Hunte the innings lost some momentum.
Zitroy Robertson (44) and Chris Wight (20) kept By-Rite within reach of the target but the fall of Robertson triggered a collapse in which three wickets fell for just three runs and Police were back in the game.

Jalen Linton, David Wight, Philip Wight and Steadman Gray all reached double figures as By-Rite fought doggedly to stay in the contest and Bryan added the finishing touches with three boundaries in an unbeaten 21. Bovell took three for 32 from 10 overs while Alvan Babb took two for 20 from four overs.

A victory by Police would have ensured them the division one title. By-Rite and Police now need to win both of their remaining matches to stay in contention for the championship. The lawmen are scheduled to play Prison Officers and the Village Greenies while By-Rite will come up against the Prison officers and All Stars. In the other division one match played last Sunday All Stars defeated Prison Officers by five runs.

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