Cosmos Rally In The Valley

Melroy Kingston

Melroy Kingston turned in a good all round performance as Cosmos rallied to an easy 42 runs victory over River Valley on May 16th at Poughkeepsie.

Opening batsman Dennis Evans seemed to have touched early form with a patient 64 runs as he combined with Kingston who stroked an aggressive 50. This pair repaired the cosmos inning, after the loss of two early wickets, with a solid 121 runs partnership for the third wicket. At 158 for 3 in the 25th over on a ‘heavy’ outfield, cosmos began to push ahead for quick runs and in the process suffered four run outs when their inning closed on challenging 200 for 8 in their allotted 35 overs.

River Valley in their reply was pegged by a steady cosmos attack. After G. Allen’s edge went begging at second slip from Sham Ali’s first ball, it was paceman George Adams who rocked his mid stump in the next over. Adams moved into second gear on a lively pitch, he found a healthy edge from P. Dewar (54), but is still waiting for Evans to close his hands at second slip. Cosmos K. Darlington 3 for 18, Kingston 2 for 32, Powell 2 for 39, and Lenny Achaibar 1 wicket for 5 runs kept the opposition struggling for runs. M. Mills (44) offered some spark in the end; however, River Valley could only muster a mere 158 all out.

At 158 for 9 in the 35th over, the “chief” Denzil Powell -the architect of the River Valley cricket ground and a giant in the Metropolitan cricket league with more than seven decorated decades to his name- made his signature appearance on the cricket field as he strolled purposefully to the wicket.

Dennis Evans

Well attired in his West Indian cap, long sleeved sweater and all his protective gears, and, oh yes, sporting an antique jumbo bat in hand reminiscent of the great Sir Vivian Richards when he used to carry one of those willow. THE CHIEF – a picture of distinction to behold on the cricket field. I walked over to shake his hand in our own customary way over the many years and asked ‘Chief what did you say to your partner?’  ‘I told him don’t get out’, but Darlington had the mid stump in mind.

Cosmos was comfortable home by 42 runs but could only yield as they ‘HAIL TO THE CHIEF’ who has walked so many times through the shadow of the valley…, yet he feared no evil. Though a little frail on this occasion, he remained committed in his struggles and unselfish dedication to the promotion of cricket whilst keeping the game alive in the valley of one love and hope.