It took more days than was originally anticipated, but the crowds showed up at the ET Willet Park on Tuesday, November 5th, and Wednesday, November 6th, to find out which teams will be going through to the grand finals in the Sports Department/Development Bank tape ball Cricket tournament.
On Tuesday 5th November, Rawlins engaged the Calypso team and as usual, Carlon Smithen launched a savage attack on the bowling. When he was out for 45, he had faced only 16 balls and had struck all of six huge maximums. The calypso team appeared deflated but bounced back to pick up a few crucial wickets.
However, they were to receive another body blow, when the Barbadian born Forde, electrified the crowd with his cameo of 39 from just 15 balls and he struck 5 sixes of his own. Rawlins, an impressive 125 for 5 from their 10 overs.
In response, the Calypso team eventually succumbed at 63 for 7, despite fighting knocks by Jeffers, Cornelius, and EV Webbe.
Summarized scores:
Rawlins 125 for 5 in 10 overs
Carlon Smithen 45
R. Forde 39
K. Newton 2 for 10
Laughton Herbert 2 for 11
S. Isles 1 for 24
Calypso 63 for 7 from 10 overs
Ev Webbe 16
T. Jeffers 14
D. Cornelius 14
Wes Huggins 2 for 10
Ryan Solomon 1 for 12
S. Merchant 1 for 14
R. Forde 1 for 19
Rawlins won by 62 runs
The second semifinal match was not so straightforward. The All-stars team won the toss and sent the GT United team into bat first. It seemed like an obvious mistake for the first few overs, as Alvin and Anand stunned the All-stars team, with some stunning hitting.
When heavy rain disrupted play after 6.3 overs, the GT United team was well placed on 83 for 1. Then ensued much debate over whether or not the match should continue. After lengthy and heated discussions, it was agreed that the match should continue on Wednesday 6th November.
The match duly continued on Wednesday evening and a more settled All-stars team, clawed back into the game, reducing the GT United team to only 105 for 4 from their 10 overs.
The All-stars team started off in similar aggressive vein, getting 13 from the first over, as Javarni Tyson made his case clear from ball one. However, they lost wickets at regular intervals, as most of the batsmen opted for the big shots and the Guyanese team was in catching mood on the night. It will eventually come down to 28 required from the final two overs and even though Akito Willet gave it his all, it was not enough, as he was run out attempting a well needed second run.
Summarized scores:
GT United 105 for 4
Alvin Hardyall 43
Anand Bhim 36
Tonito Willet 2 wickets
All-stars 79 all out
GT United won by 27 runs
It means therefore that the final rites of the tournament will be performed at the ET Willet Park, tonight, Thursday, November 7th, as Calypso takes on All-stars at 5.30 pm for the 3rd spot match up and at 7 pm, it will be the grand finals, as Rawlins vs GT United.
A bumper crowd is expected at the Park, as it is understood that all of the buses from Rawlins, will be running free of cost, for tonight.