By Lesroy W. Williams

Observer Reporter

(Warner Park, St .Kitts)—A 45-minute boat ride brought Nevisian cricketers to St. Kitts, full of hope to win the 25/25 Independence cricket friendly match with St.,Kitts, played at Warner Park on September 13; a 45-minute boat ride across the channels took them back with hopes dashed, but nonetheless imbued with a spirit of patriotism and an attitude of pride in their nation’s celebration of its 25 years as a sovereign state.

The TDC Group of Companies sponsored and contributed over EC$12,000 to the 25/25 cricket game. The game was named 25/25 in recognition of the nation’s 25th anniversary of Independence.

The Secretary of the St. Kitts Cricket Association, Mr. Conrad Kelly, said the exhibition game was designed to feature cricketers from different eras and therefore the teams comprised of a blend of experienced players, current players, players from yesteryear and promising players under 19 years of age.

The Nevis team comprised of Javier Liburd, Kieran Powell, Tonito Willett, Andre Browne, Leroy Maynard, Adelvin Phillip, Akito Willett, Carlon Smithen, Joel Simmonds, Junie Williams, Jurnel Turner, Kejel Tyson, Nelson Bolan and Daynason Browne. The captain of the Nevis team was Tonito Willette.

The St. Kitts team comprised of Steve Liburd, Junie Mitchum, Elsroy Powell, Terrence Ward, Waren Davis, Akeem Saunders, Christandra Carey, Elvin Berridge, Jonathan Phillip, Julian Benjamin, Kevin Hanley, Shane Jeffers and Sheeno Liddie. The captain of the St.Kitts team was Luther Kelly.

St.Kitts won the toss but sent Nevis in to bat.

Nevis was all out 181 for two after 25 overs. Kieran Powell made a remarkable 102 runs not out off 87 balls, hitting 12 fours and three sixes; Andre Browne was 41 runs not out off 26 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes; Captain Tonito Willett made 20 runs off 29 balls , hitting three fours before being caught by Elsroy Powell.

Kevin Hanley took one wicket for 25 off 5 overs and Steve Liburd took one wicket for 34 off four overs.

With a challenge on their hand of beating Nevis’ 181 runs, St.Kitts went in to bat. They confronted the challenge head on and exited the match winning with 183 for five off 24.1 overs. There were 14 fours and 6 sixes from the St.Kitts innings.

Captain Luther Kelly made 57 runs off 51 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes before being bowled by Daynason Browne ; Steve Liburd made 34 off 42 balls, hitting 3 fours and one six before being bowled by Akito Willett; Warren Davis was 21 not out off 15 balls, hitting two fours. Junie Mitchum clinched the victory for St.Kitts scoring 36 runs not out off 20 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.

Akito Willett took two wickets for 29 off four overs; Daynason Browne took two wickets for 52 off four overs. St.Kitts won by five wickets.

Elroy Powell took the trophy for best catch; Player of the Match went to Luther Kelly; Man of the Match went to Junie Mitchum; Most Valuable Player went to Kieran Powell.

St. Kitts received the winner’s prize of EC$5000.00 and the winning trophy; the runner-up, Nevis, received EC$ 2500.00; and the Most Valuable Player, Kieron Powell, received EC$750.00

“It was a highly competitive match,” Mr. Kelly said.

“I would like to commend Kieran Powell. He’s a very promising player and I want to wish him all the best in his cricketing career.”