By Elroy Stephney

SOLID performances from former National Under-19 opener Yogeshwar Lall propelled Affiance Sports Club to the coveted Super Four 10/10 title last Sunday at the Imam Bacchus Sports Complex in Affiance. The four teams who participated in the colourful affair were Charity, Walton Hall, Young Achievers and Affiance sports clubs.
In their first encounter, Affiance comfortably disposed of Charity by 52 runs. Affiance batting first, reached 95-4 from the allotted ten overs with Yogeshwar Lall stroking a fluent 41 (4×4, 2×6). In reply, Charity were restricted to 52-5 from their 10 overs to lose by 43 runs. Lall was again instrumental by claiming 2-12 from 2 overs with the ball.
In the second game, Walton Hall resisted a strong challenge by Young Achievers to register a slim 9-run win in what was the most entertaining of the matches played. Batting first, Walton Hall amassed 114-5 from 10 overs with Yogesh Singh hammering 33 from 22 balls (5×4)..
Off-spinner Leroy Roopchand had the day’s best bowling figures with 4-18 from 2 overs for Young Achievers. In response Tameshwar Dhanpaul’s aggressive 44 not out (3×4, 3×6) briefly threatened the target until the overs expired with his side ending on 105-6.
The final proved to be an anti-climax with Affiance easily claiming the title with a 49-run win over Walton Hall. Taking first strike, Affiance paced their way to 106-4 from 10 overs due mainly to a cameo innings from Lalbachan Narine 21 (2×4, 1×6) and Yogeshwar Lall 20 (3×4).
Despite Walton Hall’s strong batting lineup they perished in pursuit of the target and were all out for 57 in 8 overs.
Lall mesmerised his opponents by taking 3-11 from 2 overs with his left-arm orthodox spin to highlight an excellent all-round display to secure his team’s victory.
At the presentation, Divisional Manager of Imam Bacchus and Son’s Enterprise. Rohan Budram presented a cheque for $40 000 to the winners.
In his brief remarks he implored the players to remain focused while seeking to propel their game to greater heights. He also appealed to the cricketing bodies to secure more competitions so that the development of the game can be further advanced in Essequibo.
Also present were Managing Director of Imam Bacchus and Son’s Enterprise, Sam Bacchus, whose company hosted the competition along with representatives of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC).
The day’s event was blessed with brilliant sunshine and was witnessed by an appreciable crowd.