The semi-final clash between Kingsmen XI and Cricket Boss XI at Marine Park on Saturday, August 3rd, was a spectacle of excitement and fierce competition. Cricket Boss XI, winning the toss, elected to bat first, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Kingsmen XI’s formidable bowling attack was on full display. Kevin Augustin opened the proceedings with impressive figures of 2 wickets for 32 runs. He was well-supported by the young left-arm fast swing bowler Moien Khan, who claimed 3 wickets for 46 runs. Adding to the wicket tally was Vishal Roopnarine, who celebrated his birthday in style by taking 3 wickets for just 25 runs.
For Cricket Boss XI, the top scorer was their captain, Dwayne Shaw, who made 27 runs off 49 balls, including one boundary and one six. Carlos Bachu contributed a quick 22 runs off 16 balls with one boundary, and Kevin Shaw added 21 runs off 20 balls, hitting three boundaries. Cricket Boss XI ended their innings with a total score of 158 for 9 in their allotted 30 overs.
In response, Kingsmen XI’s opening batsman Aloysius Fontenelle ignited the second innings with a scintillating performance, scoring a rapid 91 off 51 balls, which included ten boundaries and four sixes. His explosive batting brought life and energy to the Marine Park facilities. Kevin Augustin provided a solid finish with an unbeaten 30 runs, featuring one boundary and three sixes.
Despite the best efforts of Cricket Boss XI’s bowlers, Kingsmen XI’s batsmen proved too strong. Carlos Bachu took 2 wickets for 50 runs, while Randy Nurse and Avinash Etwaroo each claimed a wicket, conceding 32 and 20 runs, respectively.
Under the seasoned leadership of veteran Daryl Heerasingh, Kingsmen XI, a first-year club, had already clinched their division title on July 22nd against Goatham CC. With this victory, they now advance to the NYNCL Saturday Division ‘A’ finals, where they will face off against the formidable NYC Renegades. The upcoming finals promise to be a heavyweight clash, with both clubs eager to claim the championship.