Defending champions Grove ousted as Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament reaches semi-final stage

Defending champions Grove Primary were eliminated from the Demerara leg of the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament on Saturday as Chateau Margot Primary produced a composed performance to secure a place in the semi-finals at the National Stadium, Providence.
Despite persistent rainfall affecting several parts of Region Four, play was successfully completed at Providence, where the venue’s drainage system allowed the tournament to proceed once conditions improved. By the end of the opening day, Chateau Margot, Stella Maris, West Ruimveldt and Rama Krishna had emerged as the four remaining teams in the competition.

The biggest result of the day came in the quarter-finals when Chateau Margot ended Grove’s title defence. Grove posted 53 for three from their allotted eight overs after Anderson Peters top-scored with 22. Chateau Margot responded confidently, reaching 54 for four with an over to spare. Captain Brandon Billey led the chase with an unbeaten 22 from 14 balls to guide his team into the final four.
Chateau Margot will now face Stella Maris Primary in one of the semi-finals. Stella Maris, champions of the inaugural edition, booked their place with a 13-run victory over Enterprise Primary. After posting 46 for six, with Delmar Mansell contributing 17, Stella Maris restricted Enterprise to 33 for five. Jared Joseph played a key role with the ball, claiming two wickets for six runs from one over.
In the other quarter-final matches, West Ruimveldt Primary advanced after defeating School of the Nations. Steven Orie struck an unbeaten 21 while Jermaine Tracey added 18 as West Ruimveldt reached 61 for two from eight overs. School of the Nations struggled in reply and finished on 39 for three.
Rama Krishna Primary also secured an impressive victory to reach the semi-finals. Shiv Singh made an unbeaten 21 from 15 deliveries to help his team post 60 for one before their bowlers dismantled Comenius Primary for 21 for seven to complete a comprehensive win.
The tournament also featured participation from Camille’s Academy, Supply Primary, La Grange Primary, ISA Islamic Primary, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Winfer Gardens, St Pius and Redeemer Primary.
The competition continues on Sunday morning with the semi-finals scheduled to begin at 10:30h, followed by the third-place playoff and the final. The Demerara champion will earn a place in the Champion of Champions final against the winners of the Berbice and Essequibo zones, which will be contested later this month at Albion and Anna Regina, respectively.