The powerful Nevis over 35’s cricket team, successfully defended the trophy they won in St.Maarten last year, in the 11th edition of the Dango Farrell created Luther Kelly over 35 tournament.
The tournament is normally held in St. Maarten and normally attracts teams from Nevis, St. Kitts, Antigua, Anguilla and St. Maarten.
However, this time around, due to the corona crisis, a shortened version of the tournament, was held in St. Kitts.
The four teams represented were: Nevis (defending champions); St. Kitts over 35’s; St.Kitts ex nationals and the Guyana Young Guns team.
On Saturday 24th October, Young Guns defeated the St. Kitts over 35’s team and Nevis easily took care of the St. Kitts ex nationals’ team, on the back of a superb half-century by Tonito Willet.
The summarized scores in that match:
Nevis over 35’s: 184 for 4 from 20 overs: Tonito Willet 67; Carlon Smithen 38; Ardie Liburd 25
F. Nisbett 2 for 19; Chumney and Clarke 1 wicket each
St. Kitts over 35’s: 128 for 7 from 20 overs: Calvin Williams 20; Roy Nisbett 18; Shane Jeffers 18; Percy Daniel 13
Dowe, Liburd, Newton and Bhim, 1 wicket each
Nevis over 35’s won by 56 runs
On Sunday, in the first game of the day, for third and fourth spots, the St. Kitts over 35’s team bounced back after being precariously placed, to defeat the St. Kitts ex nationals’ team and secure the third spot in the process.
In the much anticipated grand finale, the Nevis over 35’s engaged the Guyana Young Guns.
The Nevis team won the toss and were in immediate trouble, losing Carlon Smithen and Merlin Liburd in short order.
However, firstly Tonito Willet, then Joel Simmonds, joined the veteran Stuart Williams, to help guide the defending champions, through the murky waters. Enter Anand Bhim. He proceeded to belt the bowling to all parts of the Conaree grounds and even beat his more illustrious partner to the half-century mark.
Williams himself was as elegant as ever. Two stunning cover drives, reminded the appreciative crowd, of his signature shot, when he played for the Windies team.
Nevis over 35’s getting to a more than competitive 171 for 4, at the end of their twenty overs.
However, the excitement was far from over.
The Young Guns blazed their way to a fiery start in their response. As a matter of fact, the first three balls were all struck for boundaries and suddenly there was some worry in the Nevis camp.
However, the spinners effectively reined in the Guyanese, during the middle overs, led by the off-spinning floaters of Captain Merlin Liburd, who picked up 5 wickets. The Young Guns ran out of bullets at 131 all out.
The Nevis over 35’s and their huge supportive cast, celebrated in grand style.
Summarized scores: Nevis over 35’s: 171 for 4 from 20 overs: Anan Bhim 55*; Stuart Williams 53*; Joel Simmonds 21; Tonito Willet 19
White, Simmonds; Edwards and Harry, 1 wicket each
Young Guns: 131 all out in 18.3 overs: Welton Edwards 30; Jatin Patel 23; Alex Harry 23; Andrew Simmonds 19
Merlin Liburd 5 for 22; Patrick Newton 2 for 18; Tonito Willet 2 for 28; Anan Bhim 1 for 24
Nevis over 35’s won by 40 runs