‘Action’ Jackson powers Preysal in Fruta Festival

Hard-hitting Andy Jackson set the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva alight with his power-hitting when he smashed eight sixes and two fours and piloted Clico Preysal to a 28-run victory over Caroni Wanderers in their Fruta Cricket Festival first round fixture.

Playing in the second match of the 15-overs-a-side double-header, Prey-sal rattled up 161 for six wickets. Left-handed Jackson blazed 69 and copped the “Man of the Match” award while Nevin Stewart, 36, Ravi Rampaul, 27 not out and Shazam Babwah, 21, were the other contributors on Friday night. Former national allrounder Rajendra Mangalie, who played for Wanderers last year, skippered S&J Endeavour Sports in this year’s Carib Division Two competition. He is playing as one of the two guest players allowed and immediately showed his allround ability by hammering a quickfire 37 to add to the two wickets claimed in Preysal’s innings.

Wanderers captain Avidesh Samaroo made 35 as Wanderers reached 133 for seven off the allotted 15 overs. Rampaul took two wickets for 35 while Kevin Nanan got two for 29 to deny their Couva neighbours. Allrounder Ernil Ryan scored 28 and scalped two wickets for 34 as he led Queen’s Park Cricket Club to a six-wicket win over British American Aranguez in the first match of the 2003 series. Batting first, Aranguez made 109 for 7 in 15 overs with former TT senior player John Suraj being the topscorer with 34. Promising Jonathan Augustus proved the impetus for the Parkites as he raced to an unbeaten 33 while Ricardo Paty made 20 in addition to Ryan’s allround contribution, which earned him the “Man of the Match” award.