**Isaac Lockett**
After weeks of anticipation, the Cool and Smooth T20 tournament kicked off on 15th May 2025 at the iconic Warner Park with two thrilling matches. The defending champions, Molineaux Blue Runners, faced off against the St. Paul’s Barracudas, while the Sandy Point Snappers clashed with the Brownhill Dolphins in a bid to earn early points in the tournament.
**Match 1: Lowe Leads the Way in Blue Runners’ Narrow Victory**
After winning the toss, the Blue Runners, captained by Jacques Taylor, elected to bowl first. This decision paid off immediately, as player of the match Matthew Miller executed a brilliant run-out, leaving the Barracudas at 10/1 early in their innings. However, the pressure eased thanks to a superb innings from captain Cameron Pennyfeather, who entered the tournament with great form following a successful 2025 West Indies Breakout League campaign. Pennyfeather displayed intent and power, scoring 64 runs off just 37 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. He was well supported by opener Shelton Forbes, who contributed 24 runs.
Tight bowling from the Blue Runners shifted the momentum back in their favor, with Clayton Skeete (4 overs, 17 runs, 3 wickets) and Matthew Miller (2 overs, 11 runs, 3 wickets) delivering standout performances to restrict the Barracudas to a total of 136 for 9, leaving the match finely balanced.
In response, the Blue Runners’ chase was anchored by South African wicketkeeper-batter Ruve Lowe, who played a composed innings, remaining unbeaten on 68 runs off 54 balls and providing a steady foundation. Jaleel Clarke added a quick 48 runs from 36 deliveries. Although two quick wickets from Javarl Warde (2 wickets for 21 runs) threatened to jeopardize the chase, Lowe held firm, guiding the Blue Runners to victory at 140 for 4 with three balls to spare.
Reflecting on the win, Miller stated that the team’s aim is to “be consistent with everything we do, keep up the good spirits, and go on to win more games during the tournament.”
**Match 2: Snappers Dominate Dolphins with Ruthless Bowling Performance**
In the second match, the Sandy Point Snappers batted first, but it was the Dolphins who made early breakthroughs. Micah McKenzie, a standout performer from the 2025 West Indies Breakout League and the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, delivered a spectacular five-wicket haul—the first of this tournament edition. Amidst tight bowling, stand-in captain Jerel Cornelius scored 24 runs, and Walton Edwards added 17 runs, while Adrian Williams smashed an 18-ball 33 to help the Snappers post a competitive score of 125 for 8.
During the chase, the Snappers’ bowlers applied relentless pressure. Kian Pemberton took early wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Leeward Islands stalwart Colin Archibald, who had fought hard to score 51 runs off 49 balls. Pemberton’s disciplined bowling resulted in figures of 4 for 18, which was complemented by Adrian Williams’ economical 2 for 11. The Snappers’ effective bowling plans curtailed the Dolphins’ scoring opportunities, and despite Archibald’s determined effort, the Brownhill team was restricted to 98 runs, bowled out in the 19th over. Sandy Point’s disciplined and energetic display, which combined bowling depth and sharp fielding, ensured a commanding victory as they opened their tournament campaign.
Next up is another Saturday double-header, featuring the Government Road Stingrays against the Dolphins, followed by a match between the Snappers and the Blue Runners.