Sunday March 19th, 2017, 7pm, Soufriere Mini Stadium
The stage was set for a thrilling encounter between another two of the tournament favourites. Belfond and Fond St Jacques both looked to go clear at the top of group 2. A win here would almost secure semis for the winner. Fans like the night before showed up big to support these rivals.
Fond St Jacques won the toss and chose to field. The pitch was hard and looked to have bounce and carry. A wise decision to have bowling do it's work. Fond St Jacques pacemen showed they could be dangerous on this pitch, even striking one of the Belfond opening pair on the head with a quickly rising bouncer. Player eventually brushed it off and put his helmet on which was an indication to all batsmen what this pitch had to offer.
Canis Richardson 33 off 26 and Nielus Smith 21 off 26 were the peak of the batsmen. Fond St Jacques kept claiming wickets after dismissing the openers but runs kept ticking away and Belfond amasses the highest total ot the tournament 146 for 8 in 20 overs. Best bowling for Fond St Jacques were Kurstan Jules 2 for 29, Trevor Edward 1 for 14, Francis William 1 for 21 and Denny Clement 1 for 28.
Fond St Jacques having put up 142 before were confident they could get these runs. Tonight proved not to be their night, much to the delight of the Belfond supporters. The collapse started early and persisted, with Fond St Jacques at one point being 18/7. They looked like they would post the lowest total of the tournament at this point. If not for the top scoring efforts of Kurstan Jules, 23 off 43 the scoreline would have been worse.
Fond St Jacques manages to fight to the last ball posting up 77 all out. Belfond win by 70 runs. Nigel Gonzague was devastating and snagged 4 for 9, Bronte Bess with 3 for 10, Jervan Charles 1 for 6 and Alvinus Simon 1 for 12.
Fond St Jacques still has their fate in their hands. Their game against Team Unite becomes almost a quarter final with the winner likely to advance into the semis.
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 4 points (played 2), Fond St Jacques 2 points (played 2), 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.