Wednesday 29th, 2017, 7pm, Soufriere Mini Stadium
- Belfond scrape through in super over
The final regular season game saw two teams with polar opposite success squaring off. Faith United who was looking for a win to sign off on a high was pitted against the mighty undefeated Belfond. Belfond already had their eye on Semi Final Saturday knowing it was near impossible to lose their top spot in group 2. Nevertheless, a decent crowd showed up to view this encounter and were thoroughly entertained.
Faith won the toss and chose to bat. Pitch had a little moisture and looked to be bit more forgiving for the batsmen. Early wicket of Vidal Crandon didn't deter fellow opener Dwight Thomas who kept the total ticking upwards, knocking 57 off 49. Jemmi Mauricette got his eye in and knocked off 20 from 28. When both these batsmen were out many wickets fell cheaply but Lendell Perpie at the end smashes a few fours on his way to 17 from 12 bringing Faith United up to 124/7 after 20 overs.
Bowlers snagging wickets for Belfond were Denver Didier 2 for 14, Randy Augustin 2 for 27, Canis Richardson 1 for 10, Nigel Gonzague 1 for 16 and Sylvanus Augustin 1 for 18.
Belfond hoped to chase this total down quickly to send a message to opponents in the semis. Wickets fell steadily as runs still flowed. Steven Naitram top scored with 45 off 29. Belfond were hard pressed to get the final runs, at 123/8 Kens Michel fell with 3 balls left, Belfond required 1 off the final ball and failed to do so with Augustin run out. Belfond 124/9 in 20 overs tied the game and we were going into super over.
Wicket taking bowlers were Jemmi Mauricette 3 for 14, Kadel Charles 1 for 3, Methodius Paul 1 for 14 and Tonelle Pascal 1 for 35.
With the crowd on their feet after witnessing this game on a knife's edge, the super over looked to be a similar tale. Belfond batted first and put up 14 with some clean hitting. Faith United however were stuck in their tracks and unable to replicate earlier success, losing two wickets both caught.
In the end Belfond hobbled across the line but didn't send the strong message they would have liked. They face Zenon in the 7pm semi on April 1st, an encounter which looks too good to be missed.
The current tournament standings are as follows in order of lead:
Group 1: Challengers 6 points (played 3), Zenon 4 points (played 3), River Roots 2 points (played 3), New D' Knights 0 points (played 3)
Group 2: Belfond 6 points (played 3), Team Unite 4 points (played 3), Fond St Jacques 2 points (played 3), Faith United 0 points (played 3)
Subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Stay tuned here and on social media for updates.