SPORTS

Cayman defeated in Americas Associates tournament

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

A century opening stand between Steve Gordon and Chris Wight combined with a superb all-round display by Pearson Best, inspired Cayman Islands to a seven wicket victory over the Bahamas in a compelling contest in the ICC Americas Associates tournament in Bermuda last Saturday.

The win kept Cayman’s dream of qualifying for the 2007 World Cup alive as it guaranteed them a place in the top four with the possibility of even finishing third with a big win in the final match against Canada.

Replying to a respectable score of 184 made by the Bahamas in 49.4 overs, Cayman scored 188 for three in 47.1 overs. Gordon and Wight put on 112 for the first wicket to provide a solid foundation for Cayman’s victory. In a performance that earned him the coveted man-of-the match award, Gordon hit a top score of 61 while Wight made an equally vital 53. Cayman lost Larry Cunningham cheaply but Pearson Best, who batted at number three, stayed until victory was achieved. He finished unbeaten on 44 with Saheed Mohammad not out on nought.

Earlier Cayman Islands had the Bahamas in serious trouble at 62 for six after inviting them to bat at the Southampton Rangers cricket ground. The damage was repaired through a seventh wicket stand of 64 between captain Gary Armstrong who contributed 31 and Khamenauth Seeram who made 41 not out. Best with four for 44 off 7.4 overs was the leading bowler for Cayman while Mohammad took three for 26 in nine accurate overs. Skipper Ryan Bovell was also economical, conceding just 26 runs in his allotted 10 overs in which he took one wicket. Leg spinner Michael Wight also kept the Bahamians in check during an eight over spell in which he took one for 22.

It was the second victory of the tournament for the Cayman team. On Thursday they defeated Argentina by eight wickets at the same venue. Argentina scored 99 all out in 40.3 overs to which Cayman replied with 102 for two in 28. 4 overs. Mohammad was Cayman’s most successful bowler with three for eight from four overs. Best top-scored with 29 not out while Cunningham was undefeated with 20. Chris Wight made 21.

Cayman lost the opening match against the USA after scoring just 138 for eight in 50 overs. Mohammad was the leading scorer with 41 while Best got 30. Frankie Hinds took two for 15 as USA took just 31.4 overs to reach 140 for four. In the match played at the National Sports Centre, Barbadian born Charles Reid was not out on 42 while former West Indies opening batsman Clayton Lambert made 30 not out batting at number five.

Cayman lost a close contest with Bermuda at the scenic St. David’s Cricket Club ground in the second round, despite a heroic batting performance by Hinds. He smashed 78 with five sixes and six fours, to lift Cayman from the depths of despair at 66 for five. Hinds and Cunningham (27) started the recovery and then captain Bovell made a valuable 32 as Cayman eased up to 217 for nine in 50 overs. They defended the total admirable but the experience of Charlie Marshall and captain Clay Smith proved critical in the end.

Coming together with Bermuda 112 for three the pair added 72 with man-of-the match Smith finishing unbeaten on 58 while Marshall scored 36. Bermuda eventually achieved victory in the final over with five balls to spare.

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