Saturday March 18th, 2017, 7pm, Soufriere Mini Stadium
- Monrose and Tisson guided Challengers home
What was billed as a "big clash" by many between two of the tournament's powerhouses lived up to the hype. Fans turned out and were loud in support of Challengers and Zenon. The players didn't not disappoint and entertained immensely.
Challengers won the toss and chose to field. A good decision considering the potential for ball in the pitch and the dangerous Wayne Prospere in the night's line up
Zenon started off well, showing they can build an innings and looked to post a good score. The occasional boundary and good running for ones and twos started to build a foundation for them. Tennacy Hippolyte a stalwart at the crease was forced to retire hurt after hurdling a fielder whilst finishing a run.
The runs kept ticking away at various paces, Dalius Monrose with his spin cramped batsmen for room which stiffled Zenon in the middle of their innings. However, Zenon manages to keep many wickets in hand and saved enough for their final few overs managing to put up 133/4 in 20 overs. Doran Edward top scores with 31* from 19 balls, Vince Smith also hit 24 off 28. Monrose is best of the bowlers and gets 1 for 22.
With a solid target to defend and a lot of the crowd behind them Zenon was hyped up. Their defense started perfectly with a wicket in the first over. Zenon took some early scalps and looked the favourites at 4 wickets down. Challengers had other ideas and could bat deep.
Wade Clovis manages to top score and knocks 40 off 37. Tristan Monrose contributed a solid 25* from 29 with a show of strength and willingness to run any run available. In the end it was Tristan Monrose and Bradley Tisson's blistering 28* off 12 that saw Challengers to victory. Tisson with powerful boundary making in the final over hitting two big sixes, one of which to end the game and signing off innings in style
Challengers win 139 for 6 in 18.5 by 4 wickets. Bowling for Zenon were Valange St Ange 2 for 27, Desmond Alfred 1 for 25, Shani Mesmain 1 for 22 and Denilson Hippolyte 1 for 15.
With this win Challengers move to the top of group 1 and effectively seal their spot in the semis with one game left to play in the group. Zenon is still in it and would look to win against New D' Knights who have yet to win.
The current tournament standings are as follows in order of lead:
Group 1: Challengers 4 points (played 2), Zenon 2 points (played 2), River Roots 2 points (played 2), New D' Knights 0 points (played 2)
Group 2: Belfond 2 points (played 1), Fond St Jacques 2 points (played 1), Team Unite 2 points (played 2), Faith United 0 points (played 2)
Subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Stay tuned here and on social media for updates.