Team Rivals sitting on table top

Team Rivals have placed themselves in pole position to retain the title of champion of the National Lotteries Authority Premier Division of the national cricket programme.{{more}}

The 2013 joint winner with Victors One, registered a comprehensive eight-wicket win over the News Spartans last weekend at the Sion Hill Playing Field to leap frog Guardian General Saints, who were enjoying summit status.

Rivals sit on 88 points from five matches, while Saints are on 75, also from the same number.

The die was cast for Rivals’ ascendency on Saturday, when Spartans, who are not enjoying the 2014 season, was dismissed for 70. Kissinger Mc Lean was the top scorer with 24.

Rivals’ bowling was led by the combination of Roneil Jeffrey and Casmond Walters who collected 4 for 13 and 4 for 30, respectively.

In response, Rivals posted 200 all out. Hyron Shallow blasted 66, including 11 fours, seven of which were consecutive – his first set of scoring strokes. Walters followed up his bowling with 49.

Bowling for Spartans, Dawnley Grant grabbed 3 for 51 and Omarley Lavia, 2 for 32 .

Behind by 130 runs, Spartans second innings ended at 187 all out. The evergreen Dawnley Joseph spanked 49, made up of three fours and three sixes. Seon Sween contributed 37 and Dawnley Grant struck five fours and a six in a quick fire 32.

At the other end, Asif Hooper enjoyed his best bowling figures at the venue, as he picked up 4 for 39 and Olanzo Jackson took 4 for 44.

Set 58 to win, Rivals raced to 60 for 2. Kentish George took both wickets that fell for 22 runs.

The other scheduled match at the Park Hill Playing Field resulted in an easy victory for LIME Radcliffe, as they won by default from Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO.

The easy win put Radcliffe’s tally of points to 63 from four matches, and in third place, ahead of Victors One, who are on 55 points, also from their four outings.

The other half of the table reads: ASCO – fifth on 38 points, from five matches; Spartans are sixth with 35 points, having also played five matches.

Police Two and Police One, are in seventh and eight spots respectively. Police Two has 28 points from their four matches and Police One – 13 points from four matches.

The competition takes a break this weekend, as it makes way for the West Indies Cricket Board four -day fixtures, between the Windwards and the Combined Campuses and Colleges to be played at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field from Friday to Monday. (RT)