Spartans stutter in Premier Division Title race

The race for the title of RBTT Premier Division champions of the National Cricket Programme is intensifying with every passing week.

Frontrunners, the News Spartans hit a speed bump last weekend at the Sion Hill Playing Field, when they lost on first innings to MVC Rivals. After a late start on Saturday, because of seepage under the covers, Spartans laboured to 99 all out.{{more}}

Krishna Da Silva was the topscorer with 23 and Spartans’ Captain Nixon Mc Lean added 23. Rivals’ Captain Deighton Butler took 4 for 22; Kesrick Williams, 3 for 28, and Casmond Walters, 2 for 23.

Butler truly led from the front as he stroked 52. Williams made 33 not out, and National Under-15 Captain Kadier Nedd made 27, as Rivals reached 162 late Sunday afternoon. Micha Joseph, 3 for 26, and Kissinger Mc Lean, 2 for 30, were the main wicket takers for Spartans.

And, at the other end of the table, Irie Travel Packers gained first innings from Eat Rite Saints at Arnos Vale Two. Saints, after a reasonable start, fell for 132, with Sunil Ambris making 44 and Kishore Shallow, 40. Jevorn Samuel, 6 for 28, and Reginald Jeffery, 3 for 30, shared the bowling spoils for Packers.

At their turn, Packers compiled 172. Alfie Gould rocketed 95, which included 11 sixes and 2 fours. Kentish Jacobs was the stand out bowler for Saints, with 4 for 21. Batting a second time, Saints stayed at 95 for 9. Amreal Bobb scored 40. Samuel was again the wrecker of Saints’ innings, as he took 5 for 43, to finish with a match haul of 11 for 71.

The competition already lagging, it takes a break this weekend, as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association stages a fund raising event. (RT)