By Dyon Ravello
After a nail biting win over Panthers, Diplomats were full of confidence when they faced the defending champs Imperial on June 26th at Seaview.
Andre Kirton fine form continues as he destroyed Imperial by taking 6 for 47. (Photo by Shiek Mohamed)
Batting first Diplomats were led by their main run getter Romeno Deane who fell five runs short of what would have been a second ton of the season. Deane and fellow opener Francis Mendonca added 74, with the latter getting 37. Selwyn Ramphal joined Deane, and the pair added 101 for the second wicket, with Deane missing out on the milestone.
Ramphal then added 81 with skipper Selwyn Smith before Smith was bowled by O. Bostic for 49, 266 for 4. Ramphal made 58 and Richard Coates had a later innings flurry to end on 35 not out, Diplomats 330 for 6. Bowling for Imperial, O. Bostic had 2 for 57 and A. Douglas has 2 for 73. Following dashing Deane was clever Kirton as he picked up 6 for 47 to ebb Imperial’s response. For Imperial F. Lewis accomplished where Deane fell short, scoring 116 to the good. Lewis was the only resistance for the champs as Kirton took the man of the match prize with his left arm orthodox bowling. Assisting Kirton was Chris Bachu who had 2 for 47.
Diplomats are now 4 wins to 2 loss and would be looking to bag another win when they face minnows Jinnah. But the name Jinnah does not fall too sweetly on the ear for Diplomats as Jinnah’s first win last season was against the Greens. So too, Jinnah recently registered their first win against Wanderers last weekend and they will be keen to get some momentum going as the middle of the season approach. With Kirton missing to the MAQ 20 tournament it will be a great opportunity for Jinnah to make it two in two but Diplomats themselves will be looking to put the pedal on the gas as they look to make it three consecutive victories.