Metropolitan Cricket League
By Dervon Wallace
Former USA captains Richard Staple and Steve Massiah scored half-centuries as defending champion Villagers continue to set the pace defeating Lions CC by 9 wickets in round four action in MCL Clement “Busta” Lawrence Premier League on Father’s Day June 15, 2014 at Gateway Cricket Field in Brooklyn.
Lions was dismiss for 142 after choosing to bat in bright sunshine, being dismiss for a partly 25 by Villagers in their last meeting, openers Kenroy Scott and Clifton Webb made sure there was no repeat playing cautiously posting 91 for the first wicket seaming not worried about the tattering run-rate and more concerned about not being dismissed. Both openers went about their task blocking and blocking frustrating the Villagers bowlers.
Steve Massiah blazed 86 from 35 deliveries. Photo by Shiek Mohamed
During their blocking they would play the odd attacking shot, one such shot was a cover drive by Scott off George Adams and the former held his pose until the ball was retrieved and the bowler was back at his mark. Like the great fast bowlers of old, Adams didn’t take kindly to Scott’s showboating and peppered him with a few quick short balls and a nervous looking Scott could be seen backing away taking few blows in the chest much to the laughter of the fans that were enjoying the little contest between both players.
Webb 48 (56balls 2×4 4×6) was first to go in the 21st over trapped LBW by veteran Sam Belnavis and with no runs added Scott 29 (75balls 1×4 2×6) was next to go. From a score of 91 without lost, Lions was all out for 142 in 34.2 overs with Clint Wiseman 19 (16balls 3×4) and Quin Lewis 10 (12balls) the only other batsman to reach double figures.
Ewart Gayle was the most successful bowler with 4 for 29, Romoy Ricketts finished with 3 for 34, Belnavis 2 for 12 and Adams 1 for 20.
Needing 143 for Villagers 4th win from as many games, Massiah and Staple rushed to the target in 11.4 overs. With Team USA slated to complete in ICC World Cricket League Division 3 in Uganda later this year and news from my source of Massiah’s desire to again make himself available for selection as captain the majestic right hander who must be thinking of using this season to prepare for national duties took full advantage of a Lions attack that lack precision and complied a brilliant 86 from 35 balls with three 4’s and eleven maximums one which was elegantly hit on the up over wide long-on in the nearby bushes and the spectators who seems to enjoy watching the little magician was in awe of how fine of a batsman this young man is.
With 6 runs needed and Staple nearing his 3rd consecutive half-century, the unselfish Massiah in trying to get his former national team mate on strike missed a long-hop and was given out LBW. The inform Staple then brought up his fifty with a flick down to fine leg to be unbeaten on 52 (30balls 5×4 3×6) as Villagers reached 145 for 1 stretching their unbeaten streak to 26 games.Webb was the lone wicket taker with 1 for 9.
