Progressive SC stun Dinsley Sports

Batsman Brent Harris and spinner Javed Khan featured prominently in the 18-run victory under floodlights at the James Park. The pair was also instrumental in their win previously over Chickland Sports.

Progressive batted first and rallied to 163 for eight in their allotted 20 overs with solid contributions from Brent Harris who topscored with 48 and Peter Grimes who made 40.

Harris smashed six sixes and two fours while Grimes blasted two sixes and four fours during their 55-run fifth wicket partnership that pushed the score from 71 for four in the 12th over to 126 for five in the 17th.

Ian Dias chipped in with a breezy 19.

Daniel Sookram (1/25), Moonilal Lalta (1/35), Mark Sankar (1/19) and Devindra Singh (1/29) claimed one wicket each but were not good enough to press home the advantage against a team that comprises a number of South-West youth players who have graduated to the senior level. In reply, Dinsley’s star-studded team put up strong resistance through former Trinidad and Tobago senior opener William Perkins and national under 17 player Sachin Seecharran, who is expected to gain selection on the national under 19 team for the Regional Under 19 series in St Kitts from July 23.

The attacking Perkins provided hope of victory and topscored with 55 including one six and eight fours. But those positive vibes were dashed after Seecharan who made 20 and Mark Sankar (24) were dismissed.

Medium pacer Dalian Nehore grabbed three wickets for 18 from his four overs while Javed Khan took two wickets for 30 in his 4-over spell and changed the momentum for Progressive who went on to register a significant victory.

Neil Khan, manager of Progressive Sports Club, was high in praise of his players and described their performances as “exciting and great all-round teamwork from all the players.” He stressed that “although some of the players excelled with the bat or ball, it was a great team effort by all the players. We played without some of our leading players. But those who made themselves available give of their best and we created a bit of history.” Khan added: “I cannot recall how long ago we were able to beat a Central team (Chickland Sports) and now the top team from the East Zone (Dinsley).

This is a very big achievement for the club and the players are all excited for the semi-final match.” Summarised Score: Progressive Sports 163/6 in 20 overs (Brent Farris 48, Peter Grimes 40, Ian Dias 19; Daniel Sookram 1/25, Moonilal Lalta 1/35, Mark Sankar 1/19 and Devendra Singh 1/29) whipped Dinsley Sports 145/9 in 20 overs (William Perkins 55, Mark Sankar 24, Sachin Seecharan 20; Dalian Nehore 3/18, Javed Khan 2/30, Chris Jerry 1/16 and Riguel Brown 1/29).