Preysal advance to Fruta ‘semis’

Despite a solid allround performance by Michael Brown (49 runs, two wickets for 19) of British American Aranguez, defending champions Clico Preysal advanced to the semi-finals of the Fruta Cricket Festival. Preysal defeated Aranguez by 37 runs in the 15-overs-a-side Group One second round preliminary match as Couva neighbours Caroni Wanderers kept alive their chance of seeking the other berth. The Sugar Boys defeated Queen’s Park Cricket Club by 19 runs and will meet Aranguez in the third round today.

Preysal will clash with Queen’s Park Oval who still have an outside chance but must beat the defending champions by a big margin which will give them a higher  net run rate than Wanderers should they also emerge winner against the Aranguez boys. Joel Pamphille slammed two sixes and four fours as he compiled 38 while Rajendra Mangalie hit four fours in his 26. Skipper Avidesh Samaroo made 21 as Caroni Wanderers rattled up 129 for 8 off the allotted 15 overs. Richard Paty claimed three for 19.

In reply, the Parkites mustered 110 for 6 with Sanjeev Maharaj being the topscorer with 35 which included one six and three fours. Emerson Williams made 20 while Steve Roodal bagged two wickets for 10. In the second match, skipper Shazam Babwah hammered six sixes as he chalked up a breezy 42 while Andy Jackson smashed two sixes and two fours for 24 and Dinesh Ramdin one six in getting 20. Preysal totaled 154 for 7 off 15 overs. Browne took two for 19, Yusuf Ramlalan 2 for 20 and Crandon Royston 2 for 26. Aranguez replied with 117 for 6 off 15 overs. Browne struck one six and five fours in his topscore of 49 which together with his two wickets earned him “Man of the Match” award.