By John L. Aaron | Scorecard
On a 4-0 trot, Atlantis Cricket Club – NY’s winning streak was struck in its tracks by a Bhaskar Yadram bolt of lighting for Strikers Cricket Club at Roy Wilkins Park last Sunday. It was a Father’s Day flogging of Atlantis by the Richard Ramdeen led Strikers.
Winning the toss and looking to pile on to the previous week’s 340+ tally, Atlantis was struck three times in the first six overs by the combined efforts of Paul Wintz and former Atlantis all-rounder Trinson Carmichael. The three scalps featured Winston Forrester, Atlantis skipper Randall Wilson, and wicket-keeper batsman Francis Mendonca. Unfortunately, the latter two batsmen failed to add to a three-run Atlantis total posted solely by Forrester.
The young Adams’ brothers Dimitry and Demetrius rallied briefly for seven and 12 runs respectfully before the returning Atlantis batsman Jamal Hinckson and 2021 Atlantis debutante Ronaldo Ali Mohammad posted 31 and 39 to steady the sinking Atlantis through the hailstorm of lightning bolts of the Strikers. The departure of the two middle-order batsmen was followed by a steady procession of Atlantis batters back to the 88-degree shade, as the last three Atlantis wickets only added two runs to take the team’s total to 118, including 24 extras in 22.5 overs.
It was a dismal batting performance by the talented Atlantis XI. However, it was a total they still hoped to defend against the monstrous attacking Strikers with six-footer Bhaskar ‘Sachin’ Yadram wielding his willow. The former Guyana, West Indies Under-19, and Volcanoes medium-pacer would grab four Atlantis wickets at 4.75 runs each off six overs and return with the bat to chalk up a half-century and the Man-of-the-Match award. Paul Wintz supported Yadram’s effort; the former Guyana and Caribbean Premier League Guyana Amazon Warriors fast bowler snared the wickets of Wilson and Mendonca before they had a chance to get going. Former Atlantis players Trinson Carmichael and Keon Lake contributed to Atlantis’ demise, each grabbing one wicket apiece for the Strikers.
The Strikers went after the modest Atlantis total with lightning speed, racing to the required 119 and victory in just under 22 overs. Yadram, as mentioned above, chalked up a half-century, which included 3x6s and 4x4s. Contributing knocks of 26 and 20 came from Andre Boyce and Raewin Senior, respectively, and worthy of their visit to the middle. The winning effort pushed the Strikers to a 4-1 season, with Atlantis recording its first defeat in five starts.
The Strikers’ wickets were shared by Winston Forrester 6-1-22-2 and Dillon Bourne 4-0-19-1.
Both teams observed a moment of silence for Atlantis’ former wicket-keeper and Treasurer Keith Aaron, who passed away earlier in the morning. It was a fitting tribute to the quiet and impactful member of the 55-year old club and his almost three decades behind the stumps and the financial records of Atlantis Cricket Club – NY.
Queens United hosts Atlantis on Sunday, June 27 at Idlewild Park, while Lucas hosts Strikers at Marine Park. Both matches start at Noon.