West Indies Local: A spartan surprise

The CCB sponsored Local League Cricket Tournament continued this past weekend in Anguilla with the ALHCS Spartans taking on the Nagico Up-Setters. The young Spartans equipped themselves creditably as they performed consistently throughout the match and drew the game with first innings honours.

Upon winning the toss, the ALHCS Spartans elected to bat and amassed 164. Zach Kenworthy top scored with a solid 43 and was ably assisted by 13 year-old Lyndel Richardson (31) as they shared in a 76 run partnership. Both batted well and were ably assisted by a quick-fire 28 from pacer Eversley Browne and a patient 22 from captain, Chaka Hodge. Oris Smith was the pick of the bowlers as he captured 5 for 72 as Clarence Fleming and Richard Stevens chipped in with 3 and 2 wickets respectively.

In reply, the Up-Setters began well as Clarence Fleming (63) and Carlos Sasso (38) shared in a 74 run opening partnership. Sasso was particularly severe on the pace bowlers and was assisted by the patience of Fleming. However, the Up-Setters were eventually bowled out for 160, 5 runs short of a first innings lead, as no other batsmen scored double figures. Travis Carter was the best of the bowlers with 5 for 32 and off-spinner, Chaka Hodge helped with 3 for 30.

In the second innings, the Spartans managed to score an even higher total than in the first. Zach Kenworthy top scored again with 52 and shared in a 74 run partnership with Chaka Hodge who scored 48. Both batted well and scored quickly as they displayed an array of fine strokes around the ground. Eversley Browne (18) helped out once again as he played some brutal heaves to the boundary. Opener Wendell Samuel (14) also chipped in with a helpful knock. Oris Smith added to his 5 first innings wickets with 4 for 42 but was matched by Clarence Fleming who claimed 4 for 25.

Chasing 184 from 33 overs for victory was never going to be easy for the Up-Setters, however, the Spartans' bowlers made life even more difficult for the Nagico batsmen. At the close, the Up- Setters were 123 for 7 with Keith Harrigan (34), Clarence Fleming (22) and Carlos Sasso (17) being the main contributors. Chaka Hodge bowled well as he claimed 4 for 39 and Travis Carter picked up another 2 wickets.

The CCB Local League continues this week when the ALHCS Spartans take on the All-Stars.