– President Ali captains local team, finishes with two wickets

TROY Benn struck an aggressive century to propel the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to a 72-run victory over the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Veterans Law Enforcement cricket team at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, on Sunday afternoon.

The match was held in honour of the late Randolph Holder, a Guyanese-American Detective First Grade, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2015.

The local side was captained by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, and included several seasoned members of the police force, including Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram.

The visiting side, which featured five Guyanese-born players along with players from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, won the toss and opted to bowl first.

They kept the local side at bay initially, with former West Indies cricketer Sewnarine Chattergoon and Budhram starting cautiously. After Chattergoon was dismissed for 11 runs off 10 balls (two fours), Troy Benn came to the crease. The 41-year-old settled in before unleashing a flurry of boundaries.

He struck nine fours and seven sixes off 55 balls, playing some clean shots en route to an even century.

Budhram also found his rhythm, finishing with 27 runs off 26 balls, including four fours.

Support came from Michael Newland, who blasted 39 quick runs off just 15 balls (3x4s, 3x6s), which helped propel the side to 229 for 5.

Both Benn and Newland retired out just before the close of the innings, leaving Trevor Benn (Troy’s younger brother) and President Ali with only a few balls to face. Trevor finished unbeaten on 14.

In the chase, President Ali, bowling right-arm spin, claimed two wickets. His first over went for 11 runs, but he tightened up to finish with figures of 2 for 26 from four overs, including 14 dot balls.

His first wicket came via LBW against fellow captain Gurmeet Singh (1), before he later had Toufiqur Chowdury caught by Michael Newland for nine at backward point.

Trevor Benn also bowled well, taking a wicket with the first ball of the innings.

As the run rate climbed, Ivor Trotz maintained a solid line and length, to finish with 3 for 27 from three overs in the latter stages of the innings.

Superintendent Ronald Ali supported with 2 for 28 from his four overs.

Kevin Leitch (47 off 32 balls, 7x4s, 1×6) and Awais Mazhar (44 off 25 balls, 4x4s, 3x6s) showed resilience for the visiting side, who eventually finished with 157 for 9 from their allotted overs.

At the presentation ceremony, President Ali thanked the players from both teams for their service.