Duncan makes Diamond shine

OPENING batsman Winston Duncan hit 44 runs to lead Diamond United to victory over Clarke Road and a place in the semi-finals of the Ramsingh-sponsored South Zone limited overs cricket series. At Papourie Road, Diamond batted first and scored 143 all out. Duncan with 44 held the innings together, as Vishnu Maharaj 2/24 was difficult to handle.

The winning target of 144 runs looked easily attainable by Clarke Rochard but Ian Paul had other ideas. Bowling his medium pacers he picked up 6/17 to send Clarke Rochard tumbling to 107 all out. Diamond will now meet HYO in the semi-finals at Carrat Hill in Barrackpore. HYO have been in great form this season and they crushed Vijay Sports by 79 runs in the last preliminary game. Batting first Keagan Jaggessar 54 and Shammi Rampersad 66 took them to 204/2. Vijay Sports were then bowled out for just 125 — losing by 79 runs.

Summaried scores:
At Papourie Road: DIAMOND UTD 143 — Winston Duncan 44, V Maharaj 2/24 vs CLARKE ROCHARD 107  — R Bhola 24, Ian Paul 6/17.
At Cedros: PROGRESSIVE 60 vs RAHAMUTS EVERGREEN 62/3.
At Hermitage: BJOY HYO 204/2 — Rabindra Rampersad 45, Keagan Jaggessar 54, Shammi Rampersad 66 vs VIJAY SPORTS 125.
At Ben Lomond: BEN LOMOND 228/9 — Gary Sookdeo 57, Aaron Jones 38, G Seerattansingh 42, R Deonarinesingh 5/32 vs EAST INDIANS 172 — Rodney Roopnarine 80, David Rampersad 5/22.