Metropolitan CL Stop Eastern America CA In Their Tracks

NY Region Inter-League T22 | Photo Gallery
By Dervon Wallace
New York Metropolitan District Cricket Association (NYMDCA) stayed on course for another New York Cricket Region (NYCR) Inter-League title handing Eastern America Cricket Association (EACA) their first defeat of the campaign with a six-run victory in semifinal action at East 80th Street in Brooklyn on July 19, 2014.

Steve Massiah during his knock of 48 which came off 25 deliveries. Photo by Shem Rodney

In the match up the two powerhouse leagues, NYMDCA led by their talismanic tactician Steve Massiah held their nerves to defend what appeared to be an inadequate 132, holding the visitors to 126 for 9 off their allotted 20 overs.   EACA captain Karan Ganesh scored 25 (18 balls 2×4 1×6) and Zamal Khan 24 (15 balls 2×4 1×6) before falling to George Adams caught my Rashard Marshall at deep mid-wicket off the penultimate ball off the innings.

With Massiah ringing the changes among his bowlers and getting his field placements spot on limiting his opponents to singles the pressure could be sense.  Needing 21 off two overs with 3 wickets remaining, Massiah turned to Marshall and he gave up 7 run and infected a run out diving full stretch to his left in his follow though and while on the ground had the presence of mind to return the ball to wicket keeper Dennis Evans who completed the honors.

It was up to Adams to see NYMDCA home and after serving up a short ball that was rightly dispatched, the burly Adams had the last laugh getting the wicket of Khan then delivering one that was too quick for former West Indies fast-medium Adam Sanford. Barrington Bartley was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 26 from 4 overs, Richie Sieuchan 2 for 12 from 4 overs and Adams 2 for 27 from 4 overs.

Earlier Massiah again showed his class as he was at the forefront of his team inning smashing 48 from 25 balls laced with five fours and two towering sixes. Bartley and Marshall 14 each along with 13 from Javien Thomas contributed to the total. Prashant Nair finished with 4 for 19 from 4 overs, Ganesh 2 for 23 from 4 overs and there was a wicket apiece for Telston Johnson, Sanford and Terence Madramootoo.

Final scores NYMDCA 132 all out in 18.3 overs and EACA 126 for 9 from 20 overs.