By Vijay Harrinarain
BHCC Public Relations Officer
A rain-delayed start did nothing to dampen St. Thomas, who stormed into the Leeward Islands Masters Cricket semifinals with a composed six-wicket victory over St. Maarten on Friday. Overnight showers forced ground staff into overdrive, and their diligence trimmed the delay to just 30 minutes, allowing a full contest on a surface that, for the second consecutive day, offered genuine pace and carry.
The St. Thomas captain won the toss and inserted St. Maarten, a decision that paid early dividends. The innings lurched from the outset when E. Steven fell without scoring, and regular strikes kept the batting side from building sustained momentum. Through the turbulence, S. Pascel stood firm. His unbeaten 47 from 40 balls anchored the innings, a knock built on clean timing and intelligent rotation. R. Joshper contributed 24 off 24 before R. Grazier cut his stay short, but the lower order found no way to consistently breach a disciplined St. Thomas attack. T. Charles led the bowling pack with exceptional control, returning figures of 3 for 18 from four overs. Grazier complemented him with 2 for 17 as St. Maarten finished at 123 for 7.
The chase ignited after an early jolt. J. Minko departed for a duck in the first over, bringing captain B. Andrew to the middle. What followed was a breathtaking assault. Andrew dismantled the bowling, racing to 44 off just 17 deliveries. The fifth over encapsulated his fury; he launched consecutive boundaries, cleared the rope for six, and immediately drove another four. By the end of the powerplay, St. Thomas had galloped to 54 for 1.
Curtis Crooke provided the counterpunch St. Maarten desperately needed. He removed the dangerous Andrew in the fifth over and later collected a second scalp to finish with 2 for 29, applying a tourniquet in the middle phase. But E. Walkohn’s steady 34 not out, combined with an unbeaten 18 from D. Western, drained any lingering tension. The pair guided St. Thomas to 124 for 4 in 18.2 overs, sealing a semifinal berth with 10 balls to spare.
Scorecard Summary
St. Maarten 123 for 7 (20 overs)
S. Pascel 47 not out (40)
R. Joshper 24 (24)
T. Charles 4-0-18-3
R. Grazier 4-0-17-2
St. Thomas 124 for 4 (18.2 overs)
B. Andrew 44 (17)
E. Walkohn 34 not out (33)
D. Western 18 not out (15)
Curtis Crooke 4-0-29-2
Result: St. Thomas won by 6 wickets.
Key Performers
Player Team Role Performance
S. Pascel St. Maarten Batter 47* (40 balls)
B. Andrew St. Thomas Batter 44 (17 balls)
T. Charles St. Thomas Bowler 3 Wickets for 18 Runs (4.0 Overs)
Curtis Crooke St. Maarten Bowler 2 Wickets for 29 Runs (4.0 Overs)
E. Walkohn St. Thomas Batter 34* (33 balls)
R. Grazier St. Thomas Bowler 2 Wickets for 17 Runs (4.0 Overs)
The Brown Hill Cricket Club wishes to extend its gratitude to the players from both sides and to the spirited crowd that filled the ground despite the delayed start. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the venue soon.