Newsday men star in C&W cricket match

Multiple world record holder Brian Lara bowled the first ball to Cricket Board president Deryck Murray to signal the start watched by officials from TSTT (Telecommunications Service of Trinidad and Tobago).

The Ramkessoon side batted first and despite a quickfire 31 from Newsday’s sports reporter Walter Alibey, it was the Bassarath XI that cruised to victory in the end of the 20-over affair. Alibey’s innings included four sixes and a four as the Ramkessoon team tallied 92 in their 20 overs. William Wallace also contributed 28 while captain Ramkessoon, a former West Indies Youth team captain added 10. TTCB secretary Forbes Persaud made six.

Newsday’s Francis Joseph also starred took three wickets for 16 runs for the Bassarath team but it was the big figure of Arthur Hutton who got best bowling figures, taking four wickets for just 12 runs and was eventually named the best bowler of the match.

The Bassarath XI responded with a blend of youth and experience — national youth batsman Adrian Barath and 100.5 FM’s Don Lee spearheaded their team to victory.

The talented Barath made 32 and Lee contributed a composed 30 to put their team just 10 runs shy of the target. They were applauded by the small but appreciative crowd as they retired unbeaten and left veteran batsman Isaac Ramoutar and national Under-23 female captain Marlene Aguilera to complete the win.

Needing three runs to win the match, Aguilera lashed Ramkessoon for a boundary in the ninth over.

Lee was named "Man of the Match" for his knock while Barath was voted the best batsman.

Before the match TSTT presented Lara with a cheque for $256,018.80 which will go to the Pearl and Bunty Lara Foundation. Lara said the money will go towards helping under-privileged children.