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.
Sherfane Rutherford
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.
Trevon Griffith
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.
Veerasammy Permaul
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.
Ramaal Lewis
Left-arm spinner Larry Edwards was the bogeyman, snaring 4-34 including the scalp of the Jaguars captain, as he operated well with the more seasoned ex-Windies Test spinner Shane Shillingford, who bagged 3-47. West Indies limited overs specialist seamer Kesrick Williams claimed two wickets, while Alick Athanaze was the other lone wicket-taker.
With another commanding win under their belt and 15 points to their credit, the second placed Jaguars will seek to pounce on the fiery table-leaders, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, today when the two old rivals meet from 11:30h at Tarouba. (Clifton Ross)
