United States of America Cricket Associate President Gladstone Dainty, former NYCR Chairman Selwyn Caesar, and PSAL Assistant Cricket Commissioner Ricky Kissoon were entertained by an exciting match between Hillcrest Hawks and John Adams Spartans. President Dainty stated that “Randall Wilson was hitting the ball like a grown man, but would like to see him play more on the ground.” Well Mr. President, Wilson is capable of shifting gears as you and many witnessed during the 2010 USACA U15 Nationals. Wilson finished second with most runs (239), highest batting average of 119.5, and made the highest individual score (163 n.o.) during the National Tournament.
The new and revamped Baisley South cricket ground was the ideal venue for such a highly contested cricket match as players from both teams took full advantage of a “perfect” cricket environment.
John Adams Spartans batted first and scored a total of 139 runs after completion of their allotted 20 overs. Strong contribution came from NYCR U15 Randall Wilson for his all-round performance. Wilson scored 79 runs (six 4’s and five 6’s), and took 4 wickets in a losing cause.
Skipper Troy Mars didn’t get to spark as he tried to heave NYCR U15 Andrew Deodat over the midwicket boundary. Mandeep Singh picked up 3 wickets for the Hillcrest Hawks.
Hillcrest Hawks was faced with an uphill battle after the middle stump of one of their openers was uprooted by young Randall Wilson, but the other two Hillcrest batsmen did not disappointed as they racked up 50 plus runs in less than five overs. Hillcrest continued to loss wickets in short intervals, but was always ahead of the run-rate. Adams skipper, Troy Mars made a mess out of a catch that would have change the outcome of the match, but despite the dropped catch the match was there for Adams to win with twenty three runs still needed in the last three overs. NYCR U15 Andrew Deodat making his debut rallied around his aggressive partner by rotating the strike to pick up the one’s and two’s. In the final over of the match, the Hillcrest boys stormed the field after tasting victory and a berth in the 2011 PSAL Cricket playoffs. A well deserved victory for the Hawks, and hard luck to the Spartans.
Thank you again to all that were instrumental in bringing this beautiful venue to what some may refer to as “The Jewel of Queens”. As the old saying goes, “It’s always rewarding to share the wealth.” Many fans stated that “this cricket venue makes you want to stay and watch cricket, especially when the youths are playing”. PSAL Assistant Commissioner, Ricky Kissoon added that “the outfield encourages the younger players to keep the ball on the ground, instead of taking the aerial route.” It’s rewarding to witness youngsters playing cricket on the best cricket environment, and we do hope that more opportunities are granted to the many talented young cricketers in the New York Cricket Region.