By Elroy Stephney

A blistering century by Neiland Cadogan was the highlight when the Central Essequibo T20 competition started on Sunday at the  various grounds on the Essequibo Coast.

At the Reliance ground, the first match saw Reliance Hustlers win a tense battle against Reliance Masters. After being inserted to bat, Reliance Masters raced to 62-2 in the first 6 overs of the power play on the small out-field. Former national under-15 allrounder Zavier McDonald was severe on both pace and spin and counted 7x4s in a whirlwind 32.

 His departure, however, stemmed the flow of runs as the Hustlers regained their composure. Some tight bowling in the middle overs accounted for a cluster of wickets, including Teddy Manchal (16) and Cecil Shivambar (15) who were the other batsmen to reach double figures.

The Masters then rallied to 141-8 from their allotted 20 overs for a par score. Off-Spinner Pavindra Persaud collected 3-28 from 4 overs, while Trevis Simon had 2-19 from his 4 overs. In reply, the Hustlers had early set-backs, losing 3 wickets for only 22 runs within the power-play.

They, however, batted sensibly by rotating the strike and keeping the run-rate within striking distance. Opener Mark Austin kept the scoreboard busy and raced to 20 with 4x4s. He was then admirably supported in the middle overs by top-scorer Kevin Boodram’s 23 which included 2x4s and 1×6 and Pavindra Persaud’s 18, laced with 2x4s and 1×6.

 While their effort kept them in the game, it was the lower order that rallied the side to safety as they reached the target, ending on 142-8 in the 19^th over to win by 2 wickets. Fast bowlers Zavier McDonald and Jamal Wilson shared 2 wickets each for 25 and 22 runs respectively.

In the second game at the same venue, powerhouse Bacchus XI powered their way to a massive victory against Cotton Field Sports Club. Batting first, Bacchus XI plundered runs at will, thanks to a superb century by Neiland Cadogan and 47 by former national Under-19 batsman Nathan Persaud.

Their century stand was built around some clean and robust hitting, as the duo entertained the vocal crowd. Cadogan’s 103 contained 7 massive sixes and 9 delightful fours as he tore into the hapless bowlers with disdain, while Persaud blazed his way to 47 with 6x6s and 1×4.

 At the conclusion of their 20 overs, Bacchus XI amassed an imposing 221-5. Medium pacer Bertram Benalds grabbed 3-45 from his 4 overs. In response, Cotton Field were stunned by the onslaught and capitulated, despite cameo innings from national under 15 batsman Lance Roberts 32 (5×4) and Bertram Benalds 31 (4×4).

When bad light resulted in the game being called off by the umpires, Cotton Field reached 117-7 in 17 overs. By then the result was a foregone conclusion. Leg-Spinner Rodwin Gordon took 2-18 from 4 overs while Neiland Cadogan returned with the ball to claim 2-14 from 3 overs to cap off a splendid all-round display.

The competition will resume this weekend with the following matches – Imam Bacchus vs Police S.C, Reliance Hustlers vs Young Achievers, Reliance Masters vs Affiance S.C. and Cotton Field vs Queenstown S.C.