Poor turn-out at NLA 20/20 competition

The National Lotteries Authority 20/20 softball cricket fever caught a bout of hypothermia one day after its opening.

An impressive opening ceremony last week Friday night at the Victoria Park heralded the much hyped event, but saw a virtual empty venue on the two other consecutive nights of competition.{{more}}

In this the first week of activities, organisers will have to find ways of attracting spectators to the Victoria Park in the most lucrative cricket competition ever to be staged here. They will also have to endeavour to justify the sponsorship package which totals just over $50,000.

But the focus of the twenty-four teams is not about who look at them, it’s about getting the $3,500 winner’s purse and the other incentives at stake.

Already showing their intentions of making a bid for the top were Derrick Construction, which recorded two wins last weekend.

The Canouan based team beat the N.C.B Financiers by 10 runs. Derrick Construction scored 71 then restricted N.C.B to 61.

In their other match, Derrick Construction responding to Rivals’ 75 for 9, reached 76 for 4.

Attackers won by 7 wickets over Nar Fren Dem. Attackers made 58 for 3, after bowling out Nar Fren Dem for 56. Jamal Ash 4 for 8 helped restrict East Bank to 48. This was after Kingstown Hill had posted 80 for 6 in their 20 overs.

It was a mixed weekend for Christ Warriors and Friends. Zenga made 70, to which the Warriors replied with 73 for 4, but faltered against Smashers by 17 runs. Smashers made 111 for 7. Christ Warriors and Friends stopped at 94 for 9.

Simple Boyz 114 for 8, with Elroy Morris scoring 37 and Elron Lewis bagging 5 for 22 bowling for North Stars. In response North Stars made 66.

Hillview insulated Vinlec Power Stars by 10 runs. Led by 46 from Tedroy John, Hillview reached 92 for 7. Power Stars made 82 for 7 in reply.

Dale Michael topscored with 32 not out in a losing cause.

South Rivers were not good enough for RSVG Police, losing by 10 wickets.

South Rivers 44, Police made 50 without loss.

In the only close encounter on the weekend, Panthers beat Fair Hall Falcons by 2 runs. Panthers 72,Falcons fell short at 70.

Another set of matches will be played this weekend as well as Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at the Victoria Park, under the lights.