Empire batsman Jason Hinds collecting more runs during his Man-Of-The-Match performance. (Picture by Charles Pitt-Grant.)

by ELVIS HOWARD

ICBL EMPIRE ARE the new kings of the SuperCentre Spartan 20/20 Competition.

They added another piece of silverware to their growing list of trophies with a thrilling five-wicket win over Wanderers in Queen's Park, yesterday.

Empire were made to fight to the end and achieved the victory off the second ball of the last over when Shawn Graham lofted Ian Bradshaw over long-off for six. They needed four runs off the last over and Graham played a reverse sweep for two of the first ball.

Empire were asked to score 141 to take the title now in its second year, after Wanderers who earlier won the toss, were restricted to 140 for nine off their allotted 20 overs.

Jason Hinds, the younger brother of West Indies player Ryan Hinds, guided the new champions to victory with an impressive undefeated 52.

He played a number of superb strokes including a memorable cover drive for four off Marvin Forde. Hinds faced 54 balls and struck six fours and one six and deservedly won the Man Of The Match award.

Empire were further boosted by 25 from 14 deliveries from Javon Searles, as he and Hinds added 45 for the second-wicket in five overs.

Fellow all-rounder and skipper Ryan Nurse raised the tempo with a quick-fire 37 from a mere 17 balls with two fours and three massive sixes.

Nurse and Hinds put on 47 for the fourth wicket in four overs until Nurse was brilliantly run out at the non-strikers end with a direct hit from Andrew Emtage at extra cover, that earned him the Play Of The Day award

Martin Nurse claimed two for 23 from four lively overs of fast-medium pace including Roland Holder (three) and
Jeremy Alleyne (seven), who were appearing in the competition for the first time.

Off-spinner Simon Steele also supported with two for 23.

Wanderers were given a flying start of 65 in 5.5 overs by Nurse and Steele. Nurse made an electrifying 51 from
just 27 balls, that was spiced with five boundaries and four towering sixes. But once he was dismissed, Wanderers lost their momentum.