Hillview new champs of PowerGen Secondary Schools cricket

Playing at home, Hillview would have been eager for a win to seal the crown as second placed Fatima were only four points behind. However, Hillview would have won the title with a loss yesterday as Fatima fell by six wickets to Naparima.

Hillview did not take any chances wrapping up a comfortable win to seal the title which the school last won in 2013. Bowling first, Hillview dismissed Shiva Boys for a modest 96 in 35.3 overs with national youth cricketer Nathaniel McDavid finishing with brilliant figures of five wickets for six runs in 7.3 overs.

Hillview captain Dexter Sween snatched 2/19 in six overs, while Rajiv Gosine (24) and Damien Singh (23) were the top scorers for Shiva Boys.

In reply Hillview got off to a shaky start, but national youth cricketer Leonardo Julien and Sween steadied the innings. Julien finished 26 not out, while Sween pitched in with an unbeaten 20 to bring joy to the Hillview supporters which included students and the principal Leslie Mahase. After sealing the title Hillview coach Richard Kelly said, “It feels great (to win the title). Kudos to all the players over the years. This year we had an excellent team but we did not underestimate the opposition.

We played hard cricket and thanks to God and all the support from the principal, teachers, students and all the parents.” Kelly said the plan is to win the Intercol T20 title later this season.

“That is our plan (to win the T20 tournament), only God could decide whether we are going to make it or not.” Sween was elated that Hillview achieved their goal. Sween said, “First I would like to say thank God to the Almighty, without him nothing is possible. At the start of the season we had a goal to win the title and it is nice to see us fullfil it.” Sween was thankful that his brother Dwayne Bravo and other members of his family were in attendance yesterday to motivate him.

The Hillview captain said defeating defending champions Fatima in round five was crucial to the team’s success. “It was very important (to our success), because we were first and second on the table (at the time). I have a lot of friends in Fatima so the rivalry was high.” Shiva Boys and Trinity East will be demoted to the championship division next season after ending the premiership season as the bottom two teams. Signal Hill and St Benedict’s earned promotion to the premiership.

Summarised scores - FATIMA 68 (24.3 overs) - Jean Paul Rocke 26 not out; Clevon Kalawan 4/15, Jevon George 3/11, Ryan Bandoo 2/6) vs NAPARIMA 69/4 (15 overs) - Cephas Cooper 22, Justyn Gangoo 17, Kyle Roopchan 16 not out, Giovanni Letren 2/24).

Naparima won by six wickets.

PRESENTATION CHAGUANAS 176 (42 overs) - Matthew Patrick 59, Aneil Pitiram 39, Vishal Roopnarine 3/26, Stephon Katwaroo 3/18 vs BARRACKPORE WEST 180/5 (34.4 overs) - S Katwaroo 51, Renee Jangeesingh 48; Emilo Gopaul 3/35. Barrackpore West won by five wickets.

SHIVA BOYS 96 (35.3 overs) - Rajiv Gosine 24, Damien Singh 23; Nathaniel McDavid 5/6, Dexter Sween 2/19 vs HILLVIEW 97/3 (15.1 overs) - Leonardo Julien 26 not out, D Sween 20. Hillview won by seven wickets.

CARAPICHAIMA EAST 250 - James Duncan 103, Akeil Antoine 58 vs TRINITY EAST 163 - Tevon Jadoo 67. Carapichaima East won by 87 runs.