2018 CWI Regional Super50 Championships…
A marauding Guyana Jaguars continued their prowl for 50 Over glory this season when they mauled defending Champs Windward Volcanoes by a massive 93-run deficit in Group A’s Day/Night match played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Thursday.
Spin was the weapon of choice of Jags skipper Leon Johnson, who unleashed his trio of spinners in: Ramaal Lewis, who starred with 4-25; veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who bagged 3-32; and left-arm all-round Ricardo Adams, who returned 2-22. Fast-bowler Clinton Pestano produced another fine spell with figures of 1-13, bagging the prized wicket of Volcanoes opener Devon Smith, who was bowled for 2.
The champs had flexed their top-heavy batting order in previous games, but it was opener Tyrone Theophile — who remained consistent with a run-a-ball 32, which included 7 fours — who was their main batsman. Ex-Windies batsman Kirk Edwards battled for his 29, which had three fours; while Roland Cato chipped in with 22 to round off the Volcanoes’ primary list of contributors.
Volcanoes, who were 99-6 at one point, were in pursuit of a relatively gettable target of 231 which Guyana made earlier on batting first in some good conditions in Tarouba. The Jags’ new-look opening combo of Trevon Griffith and Windies ODI selectee Sherfane Rutherford added 121 for the opening stand with their wide array of shots.
Both left-handers were in fine touch, with Griffith, who recently returned to Guyana after a few seasons with the Jamaica Scorpions, cracking 64 from 73 balls with six fours and a six. Rutherford was a bit more aggressive, celebrating his call up for the limited overs leg of India series by smashing 10 fours and a big six in his blitz of 69 from 61, which helped lay a solid foundation for the Jaguars.
With the exception of skipper Leon Johnson, who has been a bit short of runs so far, Guyana’s top-order are in impeccable batting form despite only their openers clicking for them. Veteran all-rounder Chris Barnwell who was left stranded on 99 a few nights ago, hit a four and a six in his 29, with Windies left-arm all-rounder Raymon Reifer scoring a boundary-less 28 down the order.
