ANOTHER round of exciting T20 matches were played at various venues on the Essequibo Coast last Sunday in the South Essequibo-sponsored T20 Invitational tournament.

At the Reliance ground, hosts Reliance Masters were crushed by Sparwin. by 43 runs. Blistering half-centuries by Manoj Persaud 72 (5×4, 6×6) and Darmendra Singh 66 (7×4, 4×6) piloted Sparwin to 161-6 in 15 overs after they were asked to bat first.

Due to a late start the overs were reduced, but it did not distract Sparwin from opening up their wings with an aggressive batting display. Persaud and Singh came together after Eshwar Lall laid the early foundation with a cameo 22 (3×4, 1×6) to completely dominate proceedings.

Their dominant performances thrilled the fair-sized crowd as they launched the attack on the Reliance Masters’ hapless bowlers. A last over hat-trick from Preamlall Persaud who grabbed 3-3 from his lone over was the only bright spot in an otherwise erratic bowling performance by the hosts.

In reply, early wickets pegged the Masters run-chase as they attempted the challenging total. In the end they were restricted to 116-8 from 15 overs with solid contributions from Ganesh Boodram 42 (2×4, 4×6) and Latchmikhant Narine 28 (5×4) as the Masters were unable to clip the wings of the rampaging Sparwin.

At the same venue, Reliance Hustlers got a walkover from Zorg Over-40 team. At the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Bacchus XI once again had another convincing win, defeating Top Shattas by 60 runs. Batting first, Bacchus XI posted 175-6 in 17 overs then shot out Top Shattas for 115 in 16 overs.

In the second game at the same venue, Bacchus ‘B’ had the better of Bush Lot Trend Setters.

After winning the toss and batting, Bacchus ‘B’ reached 132-7 in 17 overs then reduced Bush Lot Trend Setters to 109-8 in their allotted 17 overs to claim victory by 23 runs.
Over at the Northern end, hosts Devonshire Castle dimmed the light of Rising Star to win by 6 wickets.

After being inserted to bat first, Rising Star posted 115-8 in 15 overs and it was easily overhauled by Devonshire Castle who replied with 116-4 in 12 overs for a comfortable victory. Meanwhile the other game between Pomeroon Oil Mill and Walton Hall which was scheduled for the Charity ground was abandoned due to a water-logged outfield.

The third round of matches in the 24-team tournament will be contested this weekend. Three teams each from the 4 zones will qualify for the playoffs as they battle for supremacy and prize money in excess of $150 000 and other incentives.