Sinclair’s ton powers Rose Hall Town to title

BCB/Pepsi First Division Tournament…

By Brandon Corlette

Impressive batting from Kevin Sinclair, Clinton Pestano and Kevlon Anderson led Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gagdets to a 202-run victory over Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje Berbice when the final game of the Pepsi First Division Cricket Tournament was held last Saturday under the auspices of the Berbice Cricket Board.

This match was played at the Albion Sports Complex ground on the Corentyne, starting on a sunny Saturday afternoon and ending in a cool night in which heated cricket was played before an impressive crowd of passionate Berbice spectators, who flocked the Albion Sports Complex to witness the game unfold. Overwhelming favourites Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets won the toss and opted to bat first. Batting with finesse, Kevin Sinclair hit 130, while Kevlon Anderson and Clinton Pestano scored contrasting half-centuries.

The ever-explosive Kevin Sinclair and Junior Sinclair gave the match a perfect start, posting 58 runs for the opening partnership. Kevin dominated the stand, hitting the Young Warriors bowlers effortlessly on the quick Albion outfield. When Junior was trapped in front LBW by Trevon Stanislaus for 18, teenage sensation Kevlon Anderson partnered Kevin.

The Young Warriors bowlers were put to the proverbial sword by tremendous strokeplay from the teenagers, with Kevin scoring boundaries at will while Kevlon supported him brilliantly. Showcasing maturity at an early age, the pair batted for approximately 30 overs.
In over 39, Young Warriors bowlers removed Kevin for a masterful 130, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes on the fairly large Albion ground. The platform was already laid with the score on 219-2 when the dangerous Clinton Pestano joined forces with the well-set Kevlon. The third wicket fell with the score on 234, with Kevlon departing for a well-composed 76.
Displaying the temperament needed for the 4-Day game of cricket, Kevlon Anderson hit only three boundaries in an innings that spanned over 30 overs.
Pestano then hit the Young Warriors bowlers some lusty blows in the latter part of the innings, registering five timely fours and four huge maximums in his explosive 59.
The final six Rose Hall Town batsmen added 26 runs when the innings ended on 318 runs in 49 overs.

It was carnage for the Young Warriors bowlers. Former Berbice under 19 spinner Trevon Stanislaus picked up 3 for 65 in his ten overs; Suresh Dhanni picked up 2 for 64, while the other bowlers shared wickets among themselves.
Chasing a daunting target, and having to bat under lights, the Young Warriors openers Alex Algoo and Vishaul Mohabir trotted out to the crease with intention of scoring briskly. It took Rose Hall Town bowlers a short moment to get the early breakthrough. A spectacular catch from National player Eon Hooper led to the demise of Vishal Mohabir (00) with the score on 10.
Guyana under 19 batsman Alex Algoo (07) followed soon after, being removed by Keith Simpson; but
University of Guyana Trojans player Linden Austin, batting at number three, consolidated the innings with Seon Hetmyer, who scored 16 and was dismissed with the score on 49-3 with Rose Hall Town having the edge.
Young Warriors wickets tumbled in clusters, and they were eventually bundled out for 116. Austin and Stanislaus were the only batters reaching 20 in a poor batting display.
Rose Hall Town bowlers shared the wickets. Shawn Pereira snatched 3-23, while Eon Hooper and Kevlon Anderson picked up two wickets each.