Trinidad: Wanderers cruise to final (29 April 1999)

29 April 1999

Trinidad: Wanderers cruise to final

Forbes Persaud

For the 10th time in the 14-year history of the Mt d'or limited overs tournament, Caroni Wanderers are into the final. They made sure of a chance to compete for the coveted title, which they have won on six previous occasions, when they cruised past First Citizens Bank Clarke Rd United by six wickets at Pierre Road Recreation Ground yesterday.

Leading the way for the "Sugar Boys" was former national middle-order batsman Deonarine Deyal who blasted an unbeaten half-century to see his team safely home. Deyal, the most consistent scorer in this year's series, struck four fours and two sixes during his dominant unbeaten knock of 64 which lasted 71 balls. After they had restricted Clarke Rd to 113 for nine on the previous day, the Central team got off to a brisk start with Deyal and Jimmy Rampersad posting 32 runs off only six overs. At this stage former national off-spinner Surujdath Mahabir was introduced into the attack and in his very first over he removed Rampersad for three, the opener offering a simple catch to Sheldon Ganga on the mid-wicket boundary.

Former national player Narine Bideshi immediately announced his arrival at the crease by striking national spinner Mukesh Persad for a sweetly-timed boundary. But his stay was short-lived as, after adding one more run to take his team's score to 42 he departed, caught and bowled by spinner David Sultan.

This success appeared to spark new life into the southern side and, with their spin quartet of Mahabir, Persad, Sultan and skipper Mahadeo Bodoe bowling accurately, Deyal and national player Dennis Rampersad found runs difficult to garner. Rampersad (13) left with the score on 70 after he miscued a shot and was caught by wicketkeeper Kevin Ramkaran off Bodoe. But the grip which the Clarke Rd spinners appeared to have on the Sugar boys quickly disappeared when spinner Avidesh Samaroo joined Deyal. The pair added 37 runs before Samaroo was adjudged lbw to Persad for 17. He struck two boundaries during his stay at the crease.

Deyal, later named Man-of-the-Match, brought victory for his team in grand style when he struck Sultan for a huge six to end the game with 3.3 overs to spare. Wanderers now meet Alescon Comet in the final at Guaracara Park on May 7.

FCB Clarke Rd Utd 113 for 9 (30 overs) (I.Maharaj 41, A.Samaroo 2/17, R.Mangalie 2/28, R.Samaroo 2/15) vs Caroni Wanderers 115 for 4 (26.3 overs) (D.Deyal 64 n.o., A.Samaroo 17).

Source :: The Trinidad Express (https://www.trinidad.net/express/)