National Under-17 cricketer Mbeki Joseph was in fine form with both bat and ball, when he guided his team St. Benedicts College to an eight-run victory over Shiva Boys in a hard-fought encounter in the PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League on Tuesday at Dadiedial Road.
Joseph struck a workmanlike 49 to guide St. Benedict's to 135 all out. Also among the runs was Chris Sadanan with 23. They found the bowling of Sachin Siewsankar too hot to handle, as he grabbed 4/25 and was ably supported by Nicholas Ali who nabbed 2/8. When Shiva Boys took to the crease, they got a controlled 29 from South Zone opening batsman Gregory Nandlal and 21 from national youth player Isaiah Gomez. Joseph kept them in check with 3/18, while Crystian Thurton took 2/17.
Leaders Hillview continued their impressive run, as they defeated Vishnu Boys in a rain-affected clash at Honeymoon Park. Batting first, Hillview made 190/9 off 31 overs with West Indies Under-19 player Kirstan Kalicharan scoring 86. Samir Ali was good with the ball and claimed 4/40, while Leonardo Francis took 2/20. In reply, Vishnu Boys fought well with national under-15 captain Rajeev Ramnath top scoring with 57. However, the experience of Hillview got the better of them in the end and they ended on 146/6.
Down at Barrackpore, the home team Barrackpore West continued their struggles this season, as they went under to Presentation College, Chaguanas by 200 runs. Pres batted first and scored 243 all out and Barrackpore West responded with only 43 all out.
The clash between Naparima and Fatima was postponed until tomorrow and will be played in Mucurapo.
SSCL SCORES
At Dabiedial Rd: St Benedicts 135 all out (Mbeki Joseph 49, Chris Sadanan 23, Sachin Siewsankar 4/25, Nicholas Ali 2/8) vs Shiva Boys 127 all out (Gregory Nandlal 29, Isiah Gomez 21, Mbeki Joseph 3/18, Crystian Thurton 2/17) – St. Benedicts won by 8 runs.
At Honeymoon Park: Hillview 190/9 (31) (Kirstan Kalicharan 86, Rikash Boodram 33, Navin Bedasee 19, Samir Ali 4/40, Leonardo Francis 2/20, Nicholai Kanhai 2/30) vs Vishnu Boys 146/6 (31) (Rajeev Ramnath 57, Samir Ali 22, Terron Jadoo 2/18) – Hillview won by 44 runs.
At Barrackpore: Presentation Chaguanas 243 vs Barrackpore West 43 all out.
Naparima vs Fatima today.