By Elroy Stephney

SUPERB half-centuries from former national youth batsmen Yogeshwar Lall and Parmesh Parsotam propelled Bacchus XI of Central Essequibo to an exciting 23-run victory against the battling Jaguars of South Essequibo, in the South and Central-sponsored T20 final played last Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

Winning the toss and batting in brilliant sunshine, Bacchus XI shone in convincing fashion with a vintage batting display. After losing an early wicket, the pair of Lall and Parsotam came together for an imposing 185-run partnership for the second wicket, as they both pounced on the Jaguars.

Parsotam eventually fell for 84 (10×4, 3×6) while Lall remained unbeaten on 85 (14×4, 2×6) to take Bacchus XI to 212-2 from the allotted 20 overs.

The Jaguars’ reply was sturdily built around a brilliant knock of 91 (15×4, 3×6) by former national youth opener Norman Fredericks who displayed his stripes in all fashion. He was especially brutal against the spinners and executed some dazzling stroke-play to all parts of the picturesque ground.

His innings kept the Jaguars in the hunt and with support from Chandi Jairam who contributed 43 (5×4, 1×6) the game seemed evenly balanced at that moment.

However, their dismissal in quick succession after an 86-run partnership for the 4th wicket all but sealed their fate. The Jaguars eventually clawed their way to 189-8 from 20 to concede the championship title to hosts Bacchus XI.

Captain Yogeshwar Lall capped off an excellent all-round performance by capturing 4-32 from 4 overs of left-arm spin. He was later adjudged man-of-the-match while he also uplifted the winners’ trophy and $50 000 during the presentation ceremony.

The Jaguars settled for the runner-up prize of a trophy and $20 000. Coordinator Ramnarine Ragoobar was on hand to deliver brief remarks and present the prizes.

Meanwhile he also indicated that the South Invitational T20 round-robin competition will commence on Sunday, April 8, with an estimated 20 teams billed to participate from North, South and Central Essequibo.

Representatives from the various clubs desirous of competing are required to be at the Imam Bacchus Library in Affiance on Thursday, April 5, at 17:00hrs for the launching of the competition, according to Raghubar who is also an executive member of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). Contact him on 697-1363 or 612-3973 for further information.