D’Affaires fights to retain cricket title

D’Affaires, the 2003 Vinlec North Leeward Senior Cricket champion, is on course to retaining the 2004 title. But they will have to beat either Ajuba One, or Peto Stars. {{more}}
D’Affaires, from the North Leeward village of Fitz Hughes, progressed to the final with a six-wicket win over Somerset in last Sunday’s all Fitz Hughes semifinal.
Powered by National Under-19 batsman Harley Skerritt, 83 not out, and Captain Alex Bowens, 54, D’Affaires cruised to 244 for 4 off 28 overs.
That was in reply to Somerset’s 242 for 6 made off 35 overs. Orlando Charles, 77, led the way for Somerset supported by Hank Hall, 67. Cameron Charles, 3 for 52, was the leading wicket taker for D’Affaires. That match was played at Richmond Playing Field in North Leeward.
Ajuba One, a Spring Village based outfit, secured their semifinal berth with a 79 run win over Enforcers of Rose Bank. That match was from the previous week when conditions rendered the Troumaca Bay outfield unfit for play.
Ajuba One complied 271 all out off 38 overs good innings from Federal ‘’Excellency’ Jeffrey, 77, and David Porter, 73. Simon Jack, 3 for 52, was the leading wicket taker for Enforcers.
They replied with 192 all out off 30 overs. Stinson Ince, 42, Michael Laborde, 30 and Ancil Hooper, 28, were among the runs for Enforcers.
Wallace Stapleton, 3 for 37, made early inroads to and rendered the target difficult.
Ajuba One takes on Peto Stars Sunday in the quest for the other final spot. The winner advances to final where D’Affaires will be waiting.
Peto Stars, fourth place in Zone Two, sprang something of an upset when they beat Zone One winner Ajuba Two in their quarterfinal encounter. Peto Stars scored 205 off 28 overs and restricted Ajuba Two to 138 all out off 25 overs.
The final is set for September 12 at Richmond. That is expected to be a gala affair with widespread media coverage including television footage from the nation’s lone station.