CUL DE SAC—Lerry Baptiste was in prime form over the weekend with two blistering innings for Windward Express Conquerors and Masters on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The seasoned allrounder registered a half-century(59 runs) and then a century (101 runs).
On Saturday, Baptiste blasted a half-century in only three overs as his team pursued 168 posted by We Lounge Kaieteur. By the end of the powerplay, Conquerors were in top flight on 79 runs. However, Baptiste fell for 59 (6 fours, 5 sixes) and his team lost the match. There were other notable contributions from Kyshawn Charles with 33 not out (2 fours), Raulston Thomas with 23 (2 fours, 1 six) and Michael Lewis with 21 (4 fours). Even more incredible was those four batsmen scored 136 runs together, but the others could not give support. Conquerors reached 159 for six to lose by nine runs.
For Kaieteur, Davenand Singh hit 58 (5 fours), while Kenroy David (2 fours, 1 six) and Sherwin Peters (6 fours, 1 six) scored 45 apiece.
Baptiste returned on Sunday to slam a magnificent 101 off 45 balls (13 fours, 3 sixes) to complete a memorable weekend. The other batsmen in double figures were Masimba Bowen with 32 off 31 balls (4 fours, 1 six) and Danga Farrell with 10 off 20 balls (1 four). Baptiste and Co. helped Masters post 184 for five of 20 overs. The Veterans replied with 118 for three off the allotted overs. The principal contributors were Peters Edwards with 39 off 42 balls (4 fours) and Alvin Prescod with 36 off 38 balls (4 fours).
The featured game on Sunday saw Future Champs A beat Sun Insurance Jaguars by nine wickets. Future Champs A overhauled 110 in just 8.5 overs to register an emphatic win. Michael Palmer, with 59 off 27 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes), and Davenand Singh, with 31 off 19 balls (5 fours), clobbered the bowling around the park to close off a swift victory.
In the A-Division, Future Champs are leading the pack with 16 points (4-0), closely followed by NAGICO and Spartans tied on 12 points (3-1). Kaieteur is holding its ground with eight points (2-2), while Conquerors (1-3) and Jaguars (0-3) are struggling to make their mark with four points each and no points, respectively. For the A-Division, the winner will advance straight to the final. The winner of the match between the second and third-placed teams will be the other opponent in the final. The final is scheduled for May 19.
In the B-Division, the Rangers have 18 points (4 wins and 1 no result), Masters have 14 points (3 wins and 1 no result), Future Champs B (1-4) and Veterans on four points (1-4) apiece. The top two teams in the B-Division will play for the championship trophy on May 5.
The Motorworld T20 Challenge continues on April 20 when Future Champs B and Veterans match skills from 2 p.m., and on April 21 when Conquerors take on NAGICO United Cricket Club from 10:00 a.m. and then Masters and Lucians United do battle from 2:00 p.m.
