IAN WASON
gmsports@guardian.co.tt
An all-round performance from Presentation College of San Fernando ensured that they took pole position in the Secondary Schools Premiership Division League with a 64-run victory over Fatima College at Union Hall, San Fernando, yesterday.
No one made 50 in Presentation’s innings, but Ricardo Chase led four batsmen into their thirties. Chase scored 38, inclusive of two sixes and two fours from 45 balls.
Presentation College got off to a steady start, as Khaleem Mohammed (38) and Riyaad Mohammed (13) put on 52 for the first wicket. But once the pair was separated, Fatima got a foot into the game as Presentation found themselves at 100 for 4 after 21.2 overs.
But some late batting from Ricardo Chase, who came in with the score on 118 for 5, steadied the ship in the lower portion of the innings in his 45-ball knock, balancing attack and caution. Aadian Racha scored a run-a-ball 36 with three fours and a six and Christian Rampersad scored 34 from 86 balls batting at number 5, as he was the adhesive of the innings.
After the shaky middle portion of the innings, Presentation closed at 231 for 9 in 50 overs.
Fatima had some impressive chases in the season so far and would not have been too concerned by a target of 232. But the opening pair were separated when Varisht Ramdeen was forced to retire hurt on 14. Fellow opener Aditya Ramdeen (25) was joined by skipper Joshua Davis, who top-scored with 71. But when he was dismissed at 135 for 5, Fatima’s hopes of a victory evaporated.
Fatima was eventually dismissed for 168 in 46.3 overs. Khaleem Mohammed completed an excellent all-round match as he followed his 38 with figures of 5 for 12, as Presentation College won by 64 runs to remain unbeaten.
Naparima College kept pace with the ‘Pres’ with a 101-run win over St Benedict’s College. Having suffered its only loss against Fatima at home last month, Kyle Ramdoo and company knew every match is a must-win thereafter. Naparima scored a healthy 248 for 9 in 47 overs batting first. Fareez Ali scored 101 off just 95 balls. Shiva Harripersad took 3 wickets that cost 51 runs while Luke Harding and Chris Sadanan each took 2 wickets.
In reply, St Benedict’s could only get to 146. Josh Telemaque scored 26, Daryl Lalchan scored 21 while Liam Mamchan took 3 for 27 for Naps and Zachary Ramjattan took 3 for 29.
Naparima with a 4-1 record will now look forward to an important match against leaders Presentation College San Fernando who is unbeaten after five matches next Tuesday at Union Hall.
Fatima College will benefit from a Naparima win and make the tournament more interesting against Hillview College which won just once in three matches, while Presentation College Chaguanas joins Naparima at the top of the standing with the same record.