Debo Sankar 66 for Richmond Hill against Big Apple

August 11th should have been the final round in the Eastern American First Division. With two matches rescheduled for August 18th, the scheduling adds to the intrigue at the business end. Three spots remain with five teams in with a chance at the semifinals. Looking forward Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) play Liberty and Arsenal tackle Galaxy on August 18th. But it will be the three 10-pointers this Sunday which will chart the course.

In round 13 MMZ continued their inconsistent form as they dropped valuable points to American Cricket Society (ACS) in a low scoring affair. ACS were restricted to 172 in 39.3 overs with a number of cameos along the way, Aun Merchant 27 and Trevon Forde 26 were the topscorers. For MMZ Rayhanul Islam, 2/16 and Zaieed Majeed 2/24 led the bowling, with Rocky Kowchai and Saumil Gandhi scalping two wickets each also. MMZ found themselves in earlier trouble against Saheed Amin and Trevor Walke, with Azurdeen Mohammed showing some fight with 26. Majeed contributed 23 but that was as much as they would have as they will bowled out for 103 in 31.3 overs. Veteran spinner Zamin Amin lead his side with 4/25, Karan Ganesh 2/15, Saheed 2/21 and Walke 2/27. ACS will be looking for a win over Big Apple in a virtual quaternary, to secure a place in the semis. MMZ face the undefeated Richmond Hill.

Richmond Hill though having advanced are keen to maintain their undefeated run. They showed just that when they meet second placed Big Apple. Richmond Hill were led by Debo Sankar 66 who provided the foundation for the innings. At the back end Deryck Mac Donald scored a brisk 41 not out off 25 balls to help his side to 248/7. Alexandrino Kirton had 3/53 and Zaheer Saffie 2/38 for Big Apple. Big Apple looking to secure a place in the semifinals were made to work hard as they fell 26 runs short, At 222 all out in 37.4 overs, with 20 balls unused Big Apple will take that lesson when they meet ACS. Skipper Shameer Sadloo was on the ball with 4/25, getting support from Kumar Nandalall 2/52. Richmond Hill wont be offering any favors when they face MMZ.

Hillside got the better of Galaxy with a comfortable five wicket victory. Galaxy batted first in this academic affair to post a competitive 231 in 39.4 overs. Krishna Harricharran 59 and Sunesh Wazid 52 were the main run scorers for Galaxy. W Persaud and Boughnarine Persaud had two wickets each for Hillside. J Mangal 81 not out, Nazam Juman 59 and Boughnarine 49 completed the brace for Hillside. Rafeek Nazeer had 2/53 for Galaxy who face Camelot this weekend, as Hillside tackle Liberty.

With Atlantis keeping pace with a win over Camelot, it was important for Arsenal to turn back Liberty to keep their hopes alive. Liberty’s dismal season continued as they were restricted to 177 in 35 overs. Danesh Deonarine 44 and Marlon Persaud 29 were the only resistance to the Arsenal. Syed Hussain 3/32, Ayyaz Chaudhry 3/38 and Rehan Shahid 2/29 kept Liberty within sight. Liberty made Arsenal work for the win as the accounted for six dismissals. Lisan Chaudhry 37 and Mohammed Rehman 31 did enough to take Arsenal home by the 34th over. Altaf Habibulla continued his good form with 2/39. Both sides have two matches remaining with Arsenal knowing wins over Atlantis and Galaxy will take them through. As for Liberty they will be looking for consolations against Hillside and MMZ, the last of which may very well be a spoiler.

In Division II Emore tackle Centurion in a bout for first place at Lido Beach. Eastside Warriors and All Stars arethe other two semifinalist. Falcons, Victory, Long Island United and Phantom will have to look to the T20 Blitz for any chance at glory this season