By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada  – Cricket returned to Ontario in a blaze of glory as the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) wasted no time for its players to get back into action following the Province’s “Return To Play” announcement last Monday.

The long-awaited season, which was hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic, got underway last Saturday and the talented 17-year-old Matthew Nandu immediately showed glimpses of his batting prowess, slamming a brilliant 146 as Kaieteur International B made light work of Durham in their First Division encounter, played at the Ellesmere Number one ground, Scarborough. The game also marked a welcome return to the venue after an absence of three years because of infrastructural works.

The Canadian-born son of former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 leg-spinner, Arjune Nandu, who was also the youngest player to be drafted in last year’s Global T20 Canada for the Vancouver Knights, and who also represented Canada and Guyana at the Youth level, was in scintillating form, plundering 15 fours and three sixes as Kaieteur International B reached 312 for three in 47 overs in the 50-over affair after being asked to take first strike in brilliant sunshine.

Durham were restricted to 160 in 37 overs, going down by 152 runs.

The left-handed opener shared in three useful partnerships, adding 79 for the first wicket with Navin Nauth, whose 26 included a four and a six, 90 for the second with Arjuna Sukhu, who made 30 with two fours before being run out, and a further 66 with his elder bother, Marcus, whose contribution was a quick-fire 35 (three fours).

The new-look Durham side were never up to the challenge, losing wickets at regular interval as Trevor Jerrick (three for 54) and skipper Vinaksher Khemraj (two for 32) made early inroads. They were supported by fast-medium bowler, Nigel Ramsaroop, who ran through the middle and lower-order to finish with the impressive figures of four for 19 from 6.1 overs. Leg-spinner Marcus Nandu took one for 25.

Middle-order batsman, Kevin White, ended on a patient unbeaten 33 (four fours and a six) while Nero Phillip, with 28 (one four and two sixes) and opener Kashique Yorke (24 with four fours) were the main contributors for the losing team.

Manager Vish Jadunauth, who is also the SCA Junior Coordinator and Treasurer, was delighted with his team’s impressive victory in the season opener, pointing out his charges were raring to go.

Hailing the commencement of the season as exciting news, the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Board of Directors urged players to follow the amended rules, cognisant of the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines which go hand in hand with the playing conditions. “These include rules such as social distancing on the field will be enforced by the umpires.”

Players are not allowed to play across multiple teams/divisions this year while player transfers were only permitted up to last Friday.

“We are excited to get this season started finally, however let’s all prioritise our health first and play cricket responsibly this season. Best of luck to all of you and most of all, have fun and stay safe,” the SCA disclosed in a release.

Caption

Marcus Nandu (right) and Arjuna Sukhu following their 90-run second wicket partnership.

Photo saved: Marcus