Several batsmen were in fine form over the weekend during two trial matches hosted by the Dominica Cricket Association (DCA).
Despite the fact that the first encounter ended in a draw and the second matchup ended in a victory for Tyron Theophille’s X1, many batsmen gave the selectors something to think about.
The likes of Kavem Hodge, Tyron Theophille, Jerlani Robinson, and Stephan Pascal all had good outings in the middle while Malakai Xavier continued to be difficult to negotiate.
In the first encounter played on Saturday, 18th July 2020 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, Team A lead by Kavem Hodge, won the toss and elected to bowl first. Skipper Theophille led from the front with a well-played 66 as his team totaled 269 for 9 from their 50 overs. The skipper occupied 84 minutes at the crease and faced 77 balls. His knock included 10 fours and two sixes.
Theophille was well supported by Gian Benjamin who hit 65 from just 54 balls in 69 minutes in the middle, with 11 fours and one six. Kyle Cabey chipped in with a well-played 43.
Bowling for Kavem Hodge X1, the skipper bagged four for 51 from 10 overs with good support coming from Khamal Hamilton with two for 39.
At their turn at the crease, Hodge’s X1 reached 229 for 6 in 40 overs when play was called off after the allotted time for batting had elapsed. Hodge completed his all-round performance with a brilliant 106 from 104 balls after spending just six minutes shy of three hours at the crease. His knock included 11 fours and two sixes. Kevin James gave very good support with 69 runs from 77 balls with seven fours and three sixes.
Malakai Xavier was the pick of the bowlers taking two for 21 from 10 miserly overs. Vincent Lewis took one wicket at a cost of 26 runs.
In the second encounter played on Sunday, 19th July 2020, Theophille’s X1 secured a six wickets victory. After winning the toss and deciding to take first knock, Hodge’s X1 reached 147 for 8 in 32.4 overs after the Windward Islands Under 15 captain Stephan Pascal hit a well-played 60 from 90 balls faced. The 14-year old showed good patience opening the batting and spending 140 minutes at the crease. Jerlani Robinson was also in the action scoring 57 from 71 balls. No other batsman reached double figures.
Bowling for Theophille’s X1, Alick Athanaze claimed two for 14 and Vincent Lewis took two for 45.
In search of 148 for victory, captain Theophille led from the front when he slammed his second half-century as his team reached 148 for 4 in 32.5 overs. His 56 came in 68 balls. Kyle Cabey chipped in with 33 and Athanaze was unbeaten on 35 at the end.
For Hodge’s X1, Jahseon Alexander was the most successful bowler taking two for 27. Kavem Hodge took one for 31.
For his century in the first game, Hodge was named as the man of the match, while Theophille took the accolade for the second game.
Meanwhile, officials of the DCA have expressed satisfaction with the performances displayed saying that most of the batsmen spent some time at the crease. Besides serving as trial matches in preparation for the Windward Islands senior cricket tournament, the encounters were used to test the readiness and suitability of the relayed pitches at the WPSS.