North retain Vasha Under-17 Classic title
Monday, June 6 2016
Navin Bedassie and skipper Kirstan Kallicharran emerged as batting heroes for the North team which retained the annual Vasha North/South Classic Under 17 title at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva on Saturday.
Kallicharran slammed 33 (four boundaries) and shared a crucial 60-run third wicket partnership with Bedassie who topscored and remained undefeated on 52 (five fours, one six) to steer North to a convincing seven-wicket victory over their Southern counterparts in the 50-overs-a-side clash that turned out to be a low-scoring affair.
South were bowled out for 130 in 42.5 overs while North replied with 131 for three in 36.2 overs in the day-night match which has become an annual feature through the sponsorship of Vasha Foods and Fresh Farms Limited.
Bedassie was voted “Player of the Match†for his match-winning unbeaten 52 and then two wickets for 15 runs.
Earlier, South found themselves in a state of shock after losing four quick wickets for only 20 on the board. Christian Thurton and Matthew Patrick were back in the pavilion both dismissed for ducks.
They were followed by Brandon Singh (5) and Rohan Singh (3).
But skipper Cephas Cooper found a useful partner in Justyn Gangoo and together added a 60- run fifth wicket partnership.
The Moruga-based Cooper dominated with three fours and one six while Gangoo played the supportive role as they gradually pushed the total to 84 before Gangoo was dismissed for eleven.
Cooper, who made an unbeaten 114 last year; topscored once again with 44 while Avinash Mahabirsingh (24) and Kyle Madoo (13) were the only batsmen into double figures as the Southerners’ innings closed at 130. Darius Gopaul (1), Brandon Ali (3), Amit Gopaul (4 no), Jayden Seales (1) and Jerrod Samaria (2) were among the others who disappointed and had single digits to the name.
North suffered an early setback when opener Jayden Seales was gone for only a single to his name and 14 runs on the board. Leonardo Francis (16) joined Bedassie they posted 48 for the second wicket stand before Kallicharran and Bedassie rallied North to their resounding victory.
North’s Teron Jadoo who claimed three wickets for 25 runs; was voted “Best Bowler†while Bedaisee collected double awards which were presented by Vasha Foods’ sales manager Derwin Gordon.
Meanwhile, the TT CB re-scheduled the Under-15 Classic match to today at the same venue from 2pm.
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