The Region Three circle tennis team, Visionary Youth Club won the feature match in the one day “Our National Game of Circle Tennis” programme when they defeated Houston All Stars at the Hyde Park Community Centre, Parika.
Houston batted first and racked up 203-4 off 50 deliveries. Nicholas Ramlall hit 86 not out (6s -9); Sheldon Christopher, 45, and Janell Christopher and Shaizah Joseph accumulated 18 runs apiece. When it was Visionary Youth Club’s turn in the circle, they gave their boisterous supporters a classical display by reaching the target, 204 -5, off the very last ball. Travis Drakes top-scored with 116 (6s – 17), while Uron Armstrong and Christopher Forrester hit 20 and 15 respectively.
In an effort to revive the sport, other matches were played to give youngsters a feel of the sport. In those fixtures, Saint Pius scored 172-4 with contributions from Shane Allicock (45) and Philip Fraser (33).
Visionary Youth Club could not reach their target and instead slumped to 90-2, with T Drakes making 20 and Nicholas Forestor 17.
Hailing from Region Six, Flying Stars United Force made 131-3 in their allotted deliveries. David Duncan (39) and Marvin Durant (25) were the outstanding batsmen.
Houston All Stars reached their target comfortably, scoring 136-3. N Ramlall (35) and Shawn Grey (23) were their top scorers.
Coming up against St Pius, Houston All Stars made 109-3, with contributions from Shawn Grey (25); Ryan Ramlall (25) and Yanick Williams (23). However, Saint Pius cruised to 116-2, with top scores from Abiola Shepherd (30) and Keith Brant (27).
Region Six’s Flying Stars United Force suffered a loss when they battled Region Three. Romping to 107-9, Region Three’s Visionary Youth Club made light work of the total and reached 112-4 easily after a half-century from Travis Drakes (73).
In the final encounter, Saint Pius posted 179-2, after a half-century from Orin Paris (62), along with contributions from Burkley Josiah (31) and Omar Jones (29). Region Six’s Flying Stars United Force in reply could not attain their target and instead made 141-1. Sharland Laundry top-scored with 57 not out (6s-5) and S Bacchus made 16.
The most promising female award was given to Elmini Ross while the best male player trophy was awarded to Travis Drakes, both of the Region Three team.
Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton was present at the circle tennis activities.
