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By Samuel Peters
With three teams — Liberta Blackhawks, Pigotts Crushers and New Winthorpes Lions — confirming their places for semifinals ahead of Round Five of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association, Empire Nation was the last team to book a spot, by effectively knocking out the Jennings Tigers via the net run rate who were leading Group B.
The Nation defeated Bolans Blasters by a109-run victory after posting 265 for seven in 38 overs before restricting their opponents to 156 all out in 30.2 overs.
Their innings was anchored by a high quality century from Tyrone Williams Jr, who scored 110 from 108 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes, with Zianni Da Silva provided excellent support with a 91 from 65 balls, including six fours and eight sixes at an explosive strike rate of 140.0. The opening partnership of 188 between these two batsmen laid the foundation for the substantial total posed.
Bolans Blasters’ bowling attack struggled to contain the free-flowing batting, with captain Taiem Tonge taking three for 35 runs being the pick of the bowlers with Richie Thomas claiming two for 50.
In reply, Bolans Blasters never recovered from early setbacks. Peter Bellanfanti top-scored with 44 as Thomas contributed 37. However, regular wickets prevented any substantial partnerships from developing.
Empire Nation’s bowling was led by Damian Lowenfield who collected four for 22 with Yanique Watley snapping up three for 19, as the Blasters were bowled out for 156.
Another one-sided encounter was played at Bethesda which saw Liberta Blackhawks secure an easy six-wicket victory over the home side Bethesda Golden Eagles.
The hosts batted first and posted 122 for nine in 25.2 overs as Gavin Tonge led the scoring with 36 and Kevin Pitman added 27. But it was the leg spin bowling of Hayden Walsh Jr who was the standout bowler for Liberta, claiming five for 34 runs in 7.2 overs. He also received assistance from Rahkeem Cornwall who supported with three for 25.
The Blackhawks’ chase got off to a strong start as Joshua Thomas played a crucial innings of 39 while Brent Joseph contributed 37. Walsh then came to the rescue with an unbeaten 20 from six balls, including three sixes to help Blackhawks top Group A. They will meet Empire Nation in the semifinals on the upcoming weekend.
Another Pigotts Crushers blasted Rising Sun Spartans by eight wickets to confirm their place in the semi finals to set up a St. George derby.
The Spartans playing away to the Crushers, batted first and were dismissed for 69 in 21.4 overs, with only Hilroy Andrew providing significant resistance with a well played 34 from 52 balls. The remainder of the batting order struggled against the discipline of Dion Samuel who was exceptional with the ball for Pigotts Crushers this season, claiming six wickets for 20 runs in seven overs. Miandre James supported with two for 15, as the Spartans were bowled out for a below-par total.
Crushers made the chase look easy by reaching 70 for two in 7.5 overs. Uri Smith top-scored with 29 with Kadeem Henry remaining unbeaten on 22 and Amahl Nathaniel added 16 from 17 balls.
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