The Antigua and Barbuda Softball Cricket Association’s Rudy Mathew 10-Over Competition opened on Sunday with cricket action across both Zone A and Zone B, with PMS delivering the biggest upset of the day when they demolished the defending Champions Brysons Bullets in their Zone A clash.
In a one-sided encounter, PMS schooled an eight-man Brysons Shipping Bullets side in a 120-run victory. Batting first, PMS posted 136 for two in their allocated ten overs, with Malik Marcellin leading the charge with a destructive 66 with Ashfield Weatherhead, who struck an unbeaten 55. Andra Samuel was the sole bowler to make an impact for Bullets, claiming one for nine from his two overs.
The Bullets’ reply was nothing short of disastrous as they collapsed to a mere 16 for seven in 5.2 overs. The PMS bowling attack proved far too potent, with Kenny Benjamin two for six, Terence Thompson two for three, and Weatherhead two for two sharing the wickets.
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Bullets bounced back from their earlier defeat to secure a comprehensive 48-run victory over Rackaman Construction Strictly Business. The Bullets posted an intimidating 164 for one in their ten overs, powered by Essan Warner’s explosive 94 – narrowly missing out on what would have been a well-deserved century. Samuel continued his good form with an unbeaten 55, forming a formidable partnership with Warner.
In response, Strictly Business managed a respectable 116 for seven from their ten overs. Melvin Charles (26) and Owen Graham (21) provided some resistance, but the target proved too steep. Warner completed an outstanding all-round performance by claiming three for 10 from his two overs, proving equally adept with both bat and ball.
Rackaman Construction Strictly Business emulated Bullets by coming back from a loss to secure a dominant nine wicket win over the PMS as their bowlers restricted PMS to a modest 63 for six. Winston Roberts led the bowling attack with exceptional figures of three for 11 while Charles provided excellent support with two for 10. Walter Carr (20) and Weatherhead (16) were the only PMS batsmen to offer meaningful resistance.
The chase proved straightforward for Strictly Business, who reached their target at 64 for one in just 4.1 overs. Kerry Mentore played a commanding innings of 34, with Adrian Abbott contributing 13 in their swift pursuit.
In Women’s Zone A cricket, the Alzarri/Sharon Joseph North Sails Female Flyers opened their season with a convincing eight wicket victory over Brysons Shipping Bullets. Batting first, the Bullets managed 60 for four, with Annette Frank and Karen Cort each contributing 16 runs. Menila James was the standout bowler for Female Flyers, claiming two for 11 while Christine Mills supported well with one for eight.
The Flyers reached 61 for two in 6.3 overs as Gaynel Ogarro slammed 31, while Makada Hector added 16.
In another women’s fixture, Brysons Shipping Bullets secured a 25-run victory over Bravos Wholesale and Distributors Rockets. The Bullets posted a competitive 88 for one as Cheryl Williams scored 44 and Lana Thomas contributed an unbeaten 28.
In reply, Bravos Rockets could only manage 63 for six with Roshana David topscoring with 16. Janice Browne was the most successful Bullets bowler, claiming two for 15.
In Zone B, Marcko Inc Buckleys 3Js took a 69-run victory over Mix Up Stars. Batting first, 3Js compiled an impressive 109 for one in their 10 overs, with Steve Martin remaining unbeaten on 37, well supported by Denley Thomas (34 not out) and Randino Turner (28). Gaster Destouche was the only Mix Up Stars bowler to claim a wicket, though at the cost of 33 runs from his two overs.
The Mix Up Stars batting lineup faltered dramatically, collapsing to 40 for eight. The 3Js bowling attack proved devastating, with Rodney Williams three for three and Nigel Fergus two for three.
Dredgers playing in their first match were victorious by five wickets over Lee’s Landscaping/Goody Taxi Service & Tours 300. Batting first, 300 posted 79 for four with Molvin James anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 40 and Veston Lewis adding 16. Kirt Douglas was the standout bowler for Dredgers, claiming two for nine.
In reply, Dredgers reached their target in 9.2 overs, finishing at 80 for six. Mervin Higgins top-scored with 29, with Douglas adding 19. Kennedy Tonge (2/8) and Molvin James (1/13 from 2 overs) were the most successful bowlers for 300, but their efforts couldn’t prevent the Dredgers’ victory.
Dredgers secured their second victory of the weekend by defeating Mix Up Stars by 29 runs. Batting first, Dredgers posted a challenging 117 for two, with Higgins narrowly missing a half-century with 49. Javaughn James (25) and Brent Bloodman (22 not out) provided valuable support.
In response, Mix Up Stars reached 88/3 in their 10 overs, with Frederick Floyd leading the charge with an impressive 48 and Destouche adding 14. The Dredgers’ bowling attack maintained control throughout, with Gershon Millington (1/7 from 1 over) and Stelbert Plant (1/6 from 2 overs) among the wicket-takers.
In Women zone B action, Potters Uprising Cricket Team defeated Police with a ten wicket victory. Bowling first, Potters restricted Police to a meager 36 for five. Tawana John led the Potters bowling attack with excellent figures of two for eight from two overs.
Potters reached 37 without loss in just 3.3 overs as Stacey Telemaque stoked an unbeaten 19, while Nolia Elvin provided solid support with 12 not out to complete the perfect performance.
