12 June 2018
SEMI FINALS SET FOR FLOW SPLT20 AFTER EXCITING END TO GROUP STAGES
By Nyus Alfred
The group stages of the FLOW SPLT20 game to an exciting end over the weekend, with four teams confirming their spots in the Semi Finals of the tournament. On Friday, Choiseul Craftmasters demolished the Mabouya Valley Renegades by 107 runs, to virtually seal their spot in the semifinals. Batting first, Craftmasters scored a mammoth 216-7, thanks to a brutal knock of 77 runs from 36 balls by Vince Smith, and 42 off 24 balls by Junior Henry. In response, the Renegades limped to 109 all out in 16.4 overs. Rick Smith top scored for them with 34. Bronte Bess was the best bowler for the Craftmasters with figures of 2-12.
In the first match on Saturday, Vieux Fort North Raiders kept their semifinal hopes alive with a hard fought victory over the Gros Islet Knights, eliminating the young team from the north in the process. Raiders batted first and put up a decent score of 145-5 from their allocated overs, thanks mainly to a knock of 39 off 28 balls by stand in captain Al Prince. Mervin Wells was economical for the Knights, with 2-15 from 4 overs. In response, Gros Islet looked in control after a handy 5th wicket partnership between captain Dalton Polius (49) and Mervin Wells (40), but Raiders came roaring back, capturing the last 6 wickets for only 20 runs, with Gros Islet at one point cruising at 114-4. Gros Islet Knights managed to get to 134 all out from 19.3 overs, a narrow 11 run victory to Vieux Fort North Raiders.
That exciting match paved the way for what was expected to be another nail biting encounter on the night, with South Castries Lions, who had already qualified, coming up against the Soufriere Stumpers, who needed nothing less than a victory to go through. Batting first, the Lions struggled to 152-9 from their 20 overs, despite having been 124-1 after 15.2 overs. Captain Johnson Charles top scored with 80, and was ably supported by Vice-captain Dwight Thomas with a well-played 44. For Soufriere, all-rounder Sanjay Pamphile enjoyed a fruitful night, with outstanding figures of 4-23 from 4 overs. In response, the Stumpers made a meal of what was a moderate chase, crashing to 80 all out in 15.2 overs. Canis Richardson provided the only resistance, with a patient 35 from 29 balls. For the Lions, the pick of the bowlers were Sherlan Isidore with 4-21 from 4 overs, and Kester Charlemagne with 3-5 from 2.2 overs. South Castries Lions won this one comfortably by 72 runs to maintain their 100% record in the group stage.
In Sunday’s first encounter, Vieux Fort North Raiders and Mabouya Valley Renegades faced off in what was a virtual quarter final, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the semifinal. Renegades batted first and posted 185-3 from their 20 overs. Captain Craig Emmanuel scored 48, and opener Orey Changoo contributed a well-played 46. In response, despite valiant knocks of 85 by Awene Edward and 43 by Kim Charlery, Vieux Fort North Raiders fell just 6 runs short, after reaching 179-5 from their 20 overs. Shadrack Descarte and Jaden Elibox both grabbed 2-27 for the Renegades. The result meant that Mabouya Valley Renegades secured the Final spot in the semifinals.
The group stages came to an end with Choiseul Craftmasters maintaining their 100% win record in the group stages, with a comfortable 41 run victory over the Gros Islet Knights. Craftmasters batted first, and were again dominant with the bat, reaching 198-3 from 20 overs. Jason Simon, who had been dropped for the previous match, made a wonderful return, scoring 75 off just 43 balls. Audy Alexander (44) and Murlan Sammy (36) also contributed.
In response, despite putting in their best batting performance so far this season, Gros Islet could only manage 157-8 from their 20 overs. Mervin Wells, as he had done in the previous matches for his team, fought valiantly with 39 off 19 balls. For Craft Masters, seamer Shanii Mesmain was the pick of the bowlers with 2-27 from 4 overs.
With the Group games out of the way, the semifinals and Final have been set for June 22nd and 23rd at the Soufriere Mini Stadium. The semifinal line up is as follows..
JUNE 22ND – Semi Finals
5pm: South Castries Lions (Winner- Group B) vs Mabouya Valley Renegades (2nd- Group A)
9 pm: Choiseul Craftmasters (Winner- Group A) vs Avatar City Blasters (2nd- Group B)
The losers of the semifinals will face off for the 3rd place playoff of Saturday June 23rd from 3:30 pm, while the grand Final is scheduled for the same date, from 7:30 pm.
For all the latest news, fixtures and results from the games, download the SPLT20 app, or follow via www.splt20.net .
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