Wednesday, October 1 2008

DEMOLITION ended a 10-year drought when they scored a five-wicket victory over Associatez to lift the Radio 90.5 FA-sponsored Nationwide Sports League Grand Slam Windball Cricket Championship title and the $20,000 winner’s prize.

Associatez won the toss and batted and were off to a good start on 24 for one wicket in four overs.

And with Manoj Sirju scoring 20 they reached a challenging 89 for three wickets off their 15 overs.

Demolition were off to a rousing start themselves reaching 24 for no wicket in three overs but lost two quick wickets and were soon on 41 for two.

But Jason Jairam hit a fine 44 and together with skipper and ex-national cricketer Hollister Pajotte lifted to score from 65 for five to victory without further loss, despite the best efforts of T Rampersad who took fwo for 11 in his three overs.

Associatez had to settle for the runners-up purse of $8,000.

Hellz Angels of Penal won the third and fourth place playoff by nine wickets and took away the $4,000 prize with Scrapers got $3,000.

Scrapers managed a paltry 66 in 13 overs with Hayden Rampaul taking four wickets for nine runs.

The Hellz Angels openers made light work of the Scrapers bowlers to reach 70 for one wickets in just 12 overs.

Shandy Boys of Couva took the $2,000 prize money beating Highlanders of Cunupia by eight runs.

After scoring 86 for six wickets in their 15 overs led by Dilip Basdeo with 22. S Roopchan took two for 16 for Highlanders.

When the Highlanders replied they were restricted to 78 for five in 15 overs despite a good knock of 32 by Nazam Mohammed and had to be satisfied with $1,500.

Later, league chairman Terry Apping thanked the sponsors and indicated that with their continued supoort his league will launch a national men and women windball cricket championship for teams throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

And NSL president Lincoln Persad commended the players for their exemplary discipline.

But he lamented Government, and the Sports Ministry in particular for their lack of support.

Persad said he had repeatedly made requests for improved facilities for his Grand Slam Park including lighting, bleachers, toilets, and a walking strip.