THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) produced a disciplined all-round performance to be crowned the Balram Ragbubir T20 champions when they whipped Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by four wickets yesterday in the final, played at Police Sports Club ground.
Chasing 123 for victory, man-of-the-match Jason Heyliger stroked an unbeaten 33-ball 35 to seal the win, with 2.3 overs to spare after Police were reduced to 71-5 at one stage.
GDF, deciding to bat first, were restricted to 122-8. However, they were largely indebted to opener Leon Andrews who made a composed 44.
GDF lost opener Quacy McPherson (0|) and Doris Nedd (14) off the bowling of Grisean Grant, at 24-2, but Andrews shared 36 runs for the third-wicket with Isaiah Bijadder (19) and 32 runs for the fourth-wicket, with Damion Waldron (16), to stage the much-needed recovery.
Thereafter, GDF lost four quick wickets, including Andrews who hit three fours and a six in his stay at the crease.
Grant (2-13), Heyliger (2-32) and Trevon Benn (1-18) were the successful bowlers for Police.
In reply, Police lost Sherwin McPherson off the bowling of Jomal Chisolm for 14 at 15-1 but fellow opener Odennel Hill then opened up and played some awesome shots, dominating the 38-run second-wicket stand with Paul Tyndall who contributed only five runs before he was bowled by Andres.
Rawle Browne was then run-out in a mix-up with Hill, to leave the batting side 58-3 when a short shower interrupted play.
Upon resumption, Andres struck two telling blows in the 11th over. He first trapped Hill leg-before-wicket for a 29-ball 37, inclusive of six fours and a six, before he had Kevin Leitch caught down the leg-side without scoring.
With 52 needed off nine overs Heyliger was joined by Benn, and the duo took the score within eight runs from the winning total before Benn departed.
However, Heyliger and Randy Knights sealed the win comfortably. Heyliger hit four fours and a six in this knock.