In the Village Premier League (VPL) 2024 grand finals, held at the Hard Times playfield on Sunday, 21st July, the Bushwhackers faced off against the Guyanese team with enthusiastic crowd support for both sides.
The Guyanese team won the toss and chose to bowl first. They performed exceptionally in both bowling and fielding, limiting the home team to just 83 runs in 12 overs. Carlon Smithen Jr was the top scorer with 30 runs.
While batting, the Guyanese team, despite an early wicket loss, made a strong start with 38 runs for 1 wicket in just 4 overs, thanks to Alvin and Rakeesh. However, after their partnership was broken, the Bushwhackers gained control, taking wickets at regular intervals.
The match came down to 8 runs needed in 2 overs with just 1 wicket remaining. A run-out secured the victory for the Bushwhackers as the Guyanese team was all out for 77 runs. This victory earned the Bushwhackers the $1000.00 prize money and the grand trophy sponsored by Hon. Eric Evelyn.
Summarized scores:
Bushwhackers 83 for 7: Carlon Smithen Jr 30, Carlon Smithen Sr 19, Tyger Browne 15
Guyanese 77: Alvin 28, Rakeesh 15
Jelani Manners took 3 wickets.
In another match, SDA Jets forfeited the game for 3rd and 4th place to Easterns as they arrived with only four players.