FORMER national Under-19 batsman Yogeshwar Lall scored a stylish half-century, as Bacchus Bulls galloped to a comprehensive 75-run triumph against Reliance Hustlers, when the two teams met in the Central Essequibo T20 final last Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.
Watched by a sizeable crowd, the defending champions took full control when proceedings began at 11:30hrs after winning the toss and batting. Opener Navendra Persaud with 33 (3×4) batted solidly at the top before paving the way for Lall whose skilful touch was mixed with some degree of aggression as he gathered runs from all parts of the field.
His delightful innings of 59 was decorated with 5 exquisite boundaries while he cleared the ropes twice before departing in the 14th over.
The innings gathered further momentum as former national youth all-rounder 28 (3×4, 2×6) and Neiland Cadogan 27 (4×4) ensured that the Bulls capitalised at the end by registering a competitive 175-4 from their 20 overs.
Medium fast bowler and former Demerara Under-19 inter-county player Anthony Ifill bowled with some venom to claim 2-30 from his 4 overs. In reply, the Hustlers were hustled out by a hostile spell of fast bowling from former national youth player Parmesh Parsotam, whose figures of 4-18 from his 4 overs, stunned the Hustlers quest for an upset win.
The lively Neiland Cadogan also bowled menacingly to claim 2-15 from his 4 overs to demolish the Hustlers for 105 in 18.5 overs. Only Beesham Narine 19 (2×4) and Trevis Simon 17 (3×4) reached double figures as they were steamrolled by the Bulls for yet another title.
During the presentation the winners received $50 000 and a trophy while the runners-up collected $20 000 with a trophy as well.
Man-of-the-Match was Yogeshwar Lall who received a trophy while Mark Austin of Reliance Hustlers was adjudged the Most Valuable Player for amassing the most runs in the competition.
The Central Essequibo Cricket Committee (CECC) representative, Autto Christiani, thanked the teams for participating and announced that similar competition will begin shortly. (Elroy Stephney)
