Wins for Reliance Hustlers, Cotton Field Strikers and Affiance F.C
THE sixth round of the Central Essequibo T20 league was played on Sunday last with host Reliance Hustlers imposing a convincing 8-wicket win over Queenstown S.C.

After winning the toss and batting, the visitors posted 153 all-out in 19 overs, with former National Under -19 opening batsman, Herell Green striking 38 (5x4s), Jonathan Sankar 26 (3x4s) and Herry Green 22 (4x4s). Consistent bowling by the host saw 2 wickets each for Narendra Mandolall (2-14 off 4 overs), Pavindra Persaud 2-19 (4) and Anthony Ifill 2-23 (4).

The Hustlers then wasted little time in reaching the target of 158-2 from just 13 overs with the in-form Mark Austin blasting an unbeaten 85, decorated with 14x4s and 3x6s, while Mandolall was also unbeaten at the end on 33 (5x4s). At the same venue, Cotton Field Strikers earned a 20-run victory against Ramkissoon’s XI after taking first strike to be all-out for 151 in the 20th over.

Opening batsman Parmanand Persaud was in sublime touch with a colourful 55 (8x4s) being the principal scorer. Veteran off-spinner Naitram had impressive figures of 7-10 from his 4 overs. In reply, Ramkissoon’s XI, despite an entertaining 43 (6x4s and 1x6s) from Fenton Benneth, were restricted to 131-9 when their overs expired, to concede defeat.

At the Affiance Number 1 ground, host Affiance S.C held their composure to clinch a 4-run win against Ravens. Batting first, Affiance S.C got off to a decent start with a half-century opening stand. Wickets then fell regularly after the breakthrough as Ravens struck back.
Opener Sanjay Rajkumar played superbly for 60 (10x4s and 2x6s) to carry Affiance S.C to 153 all-out in the 20th over. Left-arm seamer Alvin Bacchus grabbed 3-14 from 4 overs while Jermain Anderson had 3-31 from his 4 overs. In reply, Ravens lost early wickets in their pursuit of the target.

Not daunted by the situation, Jamal Wilson kept them in the hunt with an aggressive half-century. He belted 5x6s and 3x4s in a cameo 58.

However, when he departed, Affiance S.C regained the balance and kept the pressure on the remaining batsmen. Despite a late flourish from former Essequibo senior inter-county batsman , Elroy Stephney 32 (4x4s and 2x6s) and a 6 from the final delivery, Ravens couldn’t cross the line, ending on 159-8 from the allotted 20 overs.

Meanwhile, the competition will continue this week-end with the following fixture: Reliance vs Rebels XI, Bacchus Bulls vs Ramkissoon XI, Affiance S.C vs Reliance Hustlers and Queenstown vs Ravens. (Elroy Stephney).