Robertson S. Henry. Sports and Cultural Contributor
MARCH 2013; SOUTH RIVERS, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Introducing the concept of non-playing captain arguably for the first time in the Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Eleven defeated a Lotto Combined XI by 184 runs.
This heavy defeat was handed to the blue-clad Lotto Eleven led by the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Lottery Board Chairman, and included several leading former regional cricketers.
Former Windward Islands opening pair of Lance John and Darnley Joseph, and former West Indies fast bowler Nixon McLean graced the South Rivers Playing Field for the fete match, which was part of activities to mark the official opening of the newly constructed playing facility at a cost of over EC$2 million.
Winning the toss and batting first, the Prime Minister’s XI with an array of cricketing stars lighting up the firmament, amassed 277 for six off their allotted 25 overs.
Current Windward Islands wicketkeeper Lynden James slammed 101 in his brief stay at the crease, being particular severe on the Lottery Board Chairman off whom he swung five sixes in an over.
Kadir Nedd missed a half-century scoring 49 despite being roughed up at one point by McLean and Dawnley Grant the other opening bowler. One vicious delivery from back of a length from Grant reminded him that not all was in his favour, slamming into the grill of his helmet.
Former West Indies fast bowler Nixon McLean (blue outfit) was also in action
Marvin Small chipped in with 34, and there were a few notable contributions from the lower order, as the shell-shocked Lotto Combined left the field, knowing that they had a tall order in front of them.
Darnley Joseph finished with three for 54 bowling less than military offspin, Ashford Woods two for 42, and Dawnley Grant one for 45; the Lotto Combined XI successful bowlers.
During the break, Prime Minister Gonsalves fully aware of the tall order facing his opponents was in the dressing room, discussing strategy, and encouraging his players to bring him victory.
They did not disappoint, and although a few of the Lotto Combined XI batsmen looked good, their stay at the crease was as brief as an ice cube retaining its frozen state in hell.
Dawnley Grant with 19, Ashford Woods 15, and Gidron Pope 10 were the only batsmen to put up any resistance as the new ball pair of current Windward Islands opening bowler Delorn Johnson and former West Indies medium pacer Deighton Butler, gave no quarter.
Windward Islands wicketkeeper taking liking to the spin off the National Lotteries chairman
Batsmen played at, missed the ball, and had their edges found as they gave the well-stacked slips cordon catching practice. 93 all out were the final score, with the most successful bowlers for the Prime Minister’s XI being Asif Hooper 3 for 06, and Delorn Johnson two for 21.
The Lotto Combined XI has indicated that they want a rematch, and with lights scheduled to be installed and turned on within the coming weeks, the South Rivers Playing Field will experience fireworks of a different nature.
Both teams are expected to field stronger elevens, so the die has been cast, the battle lines drawn for game two in this intriguing matchup in what may very well be an annual affair.
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