The Devon Paul National Park Premier League concluded with a unique outcome as Village Rams and Dream X1 were declared joint champions after rain intervened in the final.
The T10 tournament, held at the National Park Tarmac and Durban Park saw enthusiastic participation from 16 teams, including those travelling from as far as Mahaica.
Both Village Rams and Dream X1 showcased consistent form throughout the competition, dominating with both bat and ball.
However, the much-anticipated final was cut short with Dream X1 at 1 for 0 in pursuit of 100, after just 1.4 overs, due to heavy rainfall.
In a spirit of sportsmanship, both finalists agreed to share the title and the prize.
The final promised a thrilling encounter with Village Rams batting first and scoring 99 for 7 in their allotted 8 overs.
Ashish Persaud (29 off 14) and Sheldon Alexander (19 off 9) were the main contributors, while 22 extras also helped their cause. Carlos LaRose (2 for 13) and Andrew Gibson (2 for 10) were the standout bowlers for Dream X1.
Dream XI
Dream X1’s reply began cautiously, and they lost an early wicket when Ershaad Ali clean bowled former West Indies Under-19 player Joshua Persaud for a golden duck in the second over.
Nkosi Barker and Raymond Perez were at the crease when heavy rain arrived after just 1.4 overs, forcing an abrupt proceeding halt.
The tournament, a collaborative effort with the One Guyana Local Franchise Cricket Cup, witnessed spirited contests and impressive talent on display under bright sunshine on Sunday, June 22nd.
Host Devon Paul was lauded for his meticulous planning and execution of the event, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.
The league featured two preliminary rounds followed by semi-finals and the grand final.
The preliminary stage witnessed a nostalgic moment in the final match between Village Rams and Pure Entertainers as Village Rams’ captain Omesh Danram reunited with his former opening partner Ershaad Ali after a hiatus of over two years.
The pair put on a quickfire 60 in just 2.4 overs, setting the tone for Village Rams who eventually posted a formidable 150 for 2 in their 8 overs.
Ali was the star with a brutal 68 off just 19 deliveries, well-supported by Danram (32 off 10) and Ashish Persaud (30 off 14).
Isai Thorne, a Guyana national player, and Dexter George picked up a wicket apiece for Pure Entertainers in what was described as a “belligerent and brutal” batting display.
Pure Entertainers, in their reply, could only muster 115 for 5, despite a fighting 48 off 19 balls from Marcus Watkins.
Rashidi Benjamin bagged 2 for 23, while Sheldon Alexander and Ashish Persaud took a wicket each to seal Village Rams’ semi-final berth.
The first semi-final saw Dream X1, managed by the renowned Kefa Naughton, clash with Diamond Gunners in a 6-over affair.
Dream X1 batted first and posted a solid 91 for 3, thanks to a dazzling 55 off 19 balls from Guyana international Raymond Perez and a quick 18 off 7 from Nkosi Barker.
Andrew Lim and Daniel Bamfield each took a wicket for Diamond Gunners. In response, Diamond Gunners fought valiantly but fell short, reaching 79 for 3.
Dream X1’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Carlos LaRose (2 overs, 19 runs, 1 wicket), proved too tight for the Gunners to overcome.
The second semi-final pitted Village Rams against Eccles Allstars, the reigning champions of the One Guyana T10 Blast. Village Rams, batting first, reached 87 for 2 in their 6 overs.
Their innings got off to a shaky start as Ershaad Ali was dismissed for a golden duck by Keyon Joseph, brother of West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph.
Joseph struck again the very next ball, removing Ashish Persaud with a sharp inswinging yorker. However, Sheldon Alexander steadied the ship with a brilliant unbeaten 65 off 26 balls, guiding his team to a competitive total.
Joseph ended with impressive figures of 2 for 13 from his two overs. Eccles Allstars, in their chase, fell just 7 runs short, finishing on 80 for 3, with Keshan Persaud top-scoring with an unbeaten 24 off 8 balls.
Persaud and Benjamin picked up a wicket each for Village Rams.
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