Perkins 101, Wanderers win Carib Shield

YOUNG opening batsman William Perkins hit a brilliant 101 at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, to lift W Connection Wanderers to an exciting three-run victory over Alescon Comets for their seventh Carib Shield title and $25,000 prize money.

Scores: W CONNECTION WANDERERS 189/3 (30 overs).  ALESCON COMETS 186/6 (30 overs). The youngster struck nine fours and two sixes in his attacking innings on Saturday night, which won him the Man of the Match honours, and with Brent Lezama who got an unbeaten 75, put on 175 for the second wicket, after Wanderers lost their first wicket with only two runs on the scoreboard. Perkins, always in attack mode reached his 50 with a huge six hit after being dropped the ball before.

And he also reached his century which took him just 77 balls to achieve, with another towering six. Comets began their run chase well, but when the total reached 34 they unluckily lost opener Chris Magram “caught” at the wicket. But at the other end, ex-West Indies opening batsman and Comets skipper Suruj Ragoonath batted steadily, and found a good partner in the experienced Rajendra Mangallie and together put together an 82-run fifth-wicket stand which threatened to sweep their team to victory. Mangallie was out for 37 with the total on 129 for five, and this let in Guyanese Reon Griffith who blasted a rapid 32 to carry the total to 171 before he was sixth man out. Ragoonath was at the crease to face the final over with his team needing 13 runs, but despite his brave effort they could only manage nine. The Comets skipper was left high and dry with an unbeaten 59 to his credit.

Summarised scores: W CONNECTION WANDERERS 189/3 (30 overs)  — W Perkins 101, B Lezama 75 not out vs ALESCON COMETS 186/6 (30 overs) — S Ragoonath 59 not out, R Mangallie 37, R Griffith 32.