Defending champions Nicholls Bakery Combermere and Queen’s College have already taken a major step towards reaching next week’s final of the Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA) LIME Under-15 cricket final at Kensington Oval.
On the opening day of the semi-finals yesterday, both Combermere and Queen’s College clinched crucial first innings lead over Alleyne and Milo Lodge, respectively.
After Combermere were dismissed for a meagre 106, they hit back and routed Alleyne for only 38 at Pine Basin.
Meanwhile, Queen’s College secured a nail-biting five-run first-innings lead over Lodge at Friendship.
Lodge made 154 for eight from 32 overs and Queen’s College responded with 159 for four in their 32 overs.
Left-arm swing bowler Ajani Batson and Ajani Waterman shared the honours for Queen’s College. Batson captured five for 28 and skipper Waterman made a splendid unbeaten 71.
Batson undermined Lodge from the first over, trapping Kadeem Alleyne in front without scoring. He ripped through the top half of the batting, removing national Under-15 all-rounder Marco St Hill and Karl Worrell off the third and fourth balls of the third over.
It became 39 for four when Jaydan Forde was caught at midwicket pulling at a short ball from Batson.
Once Batson was rested after a first spell of four for 22 from five overs, the attack lost its sting despite another wicket going down at 42.
Treasure Griffith and Josiah Stephens-Nelson revived the fortunes, adding a precious 92 for the sixth wicket in 16 overs.
All-rounder Griffith cracked nine fours in his entertaining knock of 63. Eventually, he was bowled by Batson off the third ball of his second spell.
Stephens-Nelson and Joshua Walcott assisted with 30 and 25 respectively to give Lodge a respectable total.
Waterman and fellow Barbados Under-15 batsman Nico Reifer put on a second wicket stand of 87 in 18 overs. Reifer was the chief anchor until he was lbw on the back-foot to off-spinner Alleyne for 40.
Waterman’s knock contained five fours, including a critical one off the first ball of the last over which began with Queen’s College needing four runs for the lead.
At Pine Basin, after being sent in, no batsman passed 25 as Combermere lost wickets throughout their innings. Leg-spinner D’angelo Springer claimed three for 13 and medium-pacer Nathan Maynard three for 16.
Alleyne also found the going rough and were reduced to 16 for four and eventually folded for 38. Medium-pacer Indal Persaud picked up three for nine.
Both matches continue today at noon.
Summarised scores:
At Friendship: Milo Lodge 154 in 32 overs (Treasure Griffith 63, Josiah Stephens-Nelson 30, Joshua Walcott 25; Ajani Batson 5-28, Mekhail Marshall 2-22). Queen’s College 159-4 in 32 overs (Ajani Waterman 71 not out, Nico Reifer 40).
At Pine Basin: Nicholls Baking Combermere 106 in 34.3 overs (Kofie Gilkes 22, Kastun Stoute 14, Avery Chandler 13; D’ angelo Springer 3-13, Nathan Maynard 3-16). Alleyne 38 all out in 32.1 overs (Elijah Hoyte 11; Indal Persaud 3-9, Lamar Springer 2-8).
