Many of the persons on hand, were sorely disappointed that what was setting up to be an exciting finale, to a hard fought game of cricket, would end on a truly sour note.
It was Sunday 3rd June and the second semifinal encounter in the exciting Village Premier League (VPL), was at its climaxing moment. The spectators were literally on the edge of their seats, as defending champions BEATERS, were chasing 96 to win versus Hanley’s Road, who had gotten to 95 in their allotted 12 overs.
Six overs remained and the Beaters team had reached 40 for the loss of just 3 wickets, with Skipper Adelvin Phillip at the crease and really exciting the Hanley’s Road fan base, with his power hitting.
Then it happened. The first ball of the 7th over, was stroked pleasantly into the off side and as the fielder galloped off the deep cover boundary, the batsmen crossed for one. By the time they had made up their minds to get a second run, the fielder already had the ball in his grasp.
His return was fairly accurate and as Wasim Mintos whipped off the bails, Umpire Ralph SUPERCHICK Allen, vigorously shook his head in the negative.
The decision did not go down well with Tonito Willet, who immediately exited the playing area, soon followed by his brother, Akito and later, team mate, Wasim Mintos.
One of the Hanley’s Road players, when urged to continue the game, responded that with their main bowlers gone, they were short of bowlers, to complete the game.
Later, chief organizer of the league, Michael WISE Hebert, met with his committee members and it was decided that the Hanley’s Road team, by walking off the field of play, had forfeited the match and therefore, the finals will be played between Beaters and Young Warriors.
The match has been slated for Sunday 17th June, at the Hardtimes playing field.
Earlier that same afternoon, the Young Warriors had defeated the home team, Bushwhackers, to seal the first final’s spot.
Summary of that game: Bushwhackers 72 all out in 10.5 overs:
West Huggins 25;
Carlon Smithen 15
Alvin 5 for 25;
Patrick Newton 3 for 12;
Rakeesh 1 for 9
Young Warriors 76 for 2 in 7.2 overs:
Alvin 30*;
Anand 24*
Carlon Smithen 1 wicket.
Young Warriors won by 8 wickets
In the aborted match:
Summarized scores: Hanley’s Road 95 for 5 in 12 overs:
Tonito Willet 49*;
S. Merchant 10
Tiger Brown; Nelson Bolan and Joel Simmonds 1 wicket each
Beaters 40 for 3 in 6 overs:
Adelvin Phillip 30*
Tonito Willet; Wasim Mintos and Merchant 1 wicket each.
Match aborted
END