Elgin Town cop A&T crown

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

Many-time parish champions Elgin Town Cricket Club emerged champions of 2011 Hanover A&T Limited-Overs Cricket Competition, when they scored an easy seven-wicket win over Future Youth in Sunday's final, which was played at the Elgin Town Community Centre in Hanover.

In addition to the championship trophy, the Elgin Town team, which went through the entire season unbeaten, took home the $35,000 winner's prize.

Future Youth, who failed to measure up to their pre-game expectations, pocketed $20,000 for their second-place finish.

"After we disappointed our fans when we got beaten in the final (last year), we were determined to make amends this year," said Gary Campbell, the vice-captain of the victorious Elgin Town team. "That we have done it, it really feels good to be champions again."

Batting first on a lively pitch, the Future Youth batsmen struggled against accurate bowling and could only manage a mere 104 runs for seven wickets off their allotment of 20 overs. Marlon Mullings top-scored with 24, while Tyrone Johnson, 19, Mike Tomlinson, 15, and Carl Tingling, 10, also got among the runs.

pick of the attack

Bowling for the Elgin Town team, Uton Cockette emerged the pick of the attack, snaring four wickets for 17 runs off three overs. Bruce Blackwood and his brother, West Indies youth player Jermaine Blackwood, were also successful with the ball, taking two wickers for 12 runs off three overs and one for 22 off four overs, respectively.

In reply, Elgin Town's batsmen tore into the Future Youth attack, with openers Blackwood (Jermaine) and skipper Kadian McKenzie posting 76 runs for the first wicket.

Before they were both dismissed in quick succession, McKenzie contributed 42, which included seven boundaries, while Blackwood struck a six and three boundaries in his 35 runs.

With McKenzie and Blackwood back in the pavilion, Omar Campbell struck a quick-fire 15 as the Elgin Town team coasted to victory at 105 for three off a mere 13 overs.

Only Tomlinson, who had a good all-round game for Future Youth, did well with the ball as he returned figures of three for 35 off four overs.

The winning team read: Kadian McKenzie (captain), Gary Campbell (vice-captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Bruce Blackwood, Omar Campbell, Rayon Maxom, Carlington McKenzie, Uton Cockette, Gavin Seaton, Vivian James and Ray McFarlane.