Outstanding batting from Paramount’s Deno McInnis, Gerard Christian and Leon Watson laid the foundation for the team’s first victory in the Money Express Division 1 competition. Playing in the final match of round one in Division 1, Paramount produced their best cricket performance, tallying 243 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
The team then limited Environmental All Stars to 223 runs, winning by 20 runs. Keniel Irving and Garfield Edwards fought back gallantly for the Stars but there was no support from the other batsmen. Allan Plowright and Deno McInnis took 7 wickets between them to ensure seal the victory for Paramount.
At the end of round one, Division 1 sees Prison holding a slim lead over By Rite, followed by Greenies 1. Money Express Division 2 action on Saturday produced two convincing victories for West Bay and Caledonian Bank over Winfair and Greenies Too respectively. At the Jimmy Powell Oval, Caledonian Bank limited Greenies Too to a small score of 83 runs and knocked the runs off losing only four wickets in the process.
The Winfair versus West Bay match at Smith Road Oval produced also proved a very exciting match-up. Winfair scored 137 runs but gave West Bay a good scare by reducing them to five wickets down for 55 runs before Anthony Dawes and Sydney Moore showed the depth of West Bay batting strength. They combined to lead West Bay to a four-wicket victory.
In Division 2 West Bay has joined Welly’s ICC at the top of the standings, with defending champions Cayman Brac in third spot. The action has heated up in both divisions with the top teams locked in battle creating an exciting atmosphere. Players must continue to impress the national selectors as there are two important engagements coming up shortly.
The Stanford 20/20 tournament is scheduled to begin on 11 July in Antigua where Cayman Islands will play against Bahamas in the first round. After the 20/20, it is on to the ICC Americas tournament in Canada, which is scheduled to take place from 17 to 27 August. Participation in the two tournaments is certain to bring many rewards, not only to the players participating, but also to Cayman cricket in general.
The Stanford 20/20 initiative provides funds for the development of cricket locally, as well as incentives for players who perform well in the tournament. The ICC Americas tournament also gives players some much-needed international exposure, with the Cayman Islands as a whole standing to benefit from the publicity generated by the team’s participation.
This weekend promises some more top-class cricket. On Saturday 8 April, Division 2 will see Welly’s ICC will take on C&W Schools at the Jimmy Powell Oval, while Greenies Too will face off against West Bay at the Smith Road Oval. Winfair will also take on Caledonian Back at West Bay Primary. On Sunday 9 April, it is over to Division 1, as Greenies 1 will take on Esso at the Smith Road Oval, and Paramount will face By Rite at the Jimmy Powell Oval.
