THE action in the Penal Sports Association Cricket series is heating in all four divisions, particular the Intermediate Limited Overs Division.
Eioht Mile scored a thrilling 28-run victory over Mercenaries in a thrill-packed game. The Eight Mile batsmen led by B. Hackshaw who scored 35 runs reached 149, despite Vijay Harbhajan taking five wicket for 32 runs. But in reply, Mercenaries could only get 121 runs, although J. Ramoutar scored 44. S. Bassawan was the chief wrecker taking five for 25.
Other summarised scores: Intermediate (Limited Overs) – BLUE BUDS 164 – R.Basdeo 60, A.Suchit 28, D. Paroo 3 for 38 vs MOHESS ROAD 121 – D. Paroo 38, S.Rambarran 7 for 50; SECRET STORM 98 – H.Mohammed 36, D.Ramnarine 4 for 12 vs SECRET STORM 103 for 4 – V.Ramnarine 33, P.Ramsamir 4 for 26.
Super League: SAN FRANCIQUE 192 and 226 – D. Khemraj 48, S.Maraj 34 not out, A. Ramnath 42, G.Leotaud 4 for 46, R.Leotaud 4 for 36; UP TEN SPORTS 168 and 19 for one – A.Valdez 43, R.Leotaud 33, R.Gopaul 5 for 30; MENDEZ SPORTS 139 and 111 for 5 – P.Maharaj 30, G.Matthew 55 not out, M.Arjoon 5 for 31, R.Katwaroo 4 for 42 vs RENEGADES 239 – V.Mangroo 34, R.Maraj 79, K.Maraj 33; SUNREES ROAD 182 – J.Ramdial 32, V.JAdoo 62, V.Deonarine 5 for 34 vs SUNRISE 229 for 6 – L.Doodnath 56, V.Deonarine 50 not out, K.Hector 3 for 36.
ROCHARD ROAD UNITED 163 and 45 for 3 – K.Ramden 29, C.Ramjattan 26, R.Ragoo 4 for 29 vs MERRY BOYS 115 and 169 for 7 declared – R.Ragoo 27 and 57 not out, N.Ragoo 64, G.Seecharran 5 for 52 and 4 for 9.
Under-16 (Limited Overs): ALL STARS 94 – V.RAmcharan 18, D. Jadoonanan 3 for 8 vs INDEPENDENCE 91 – V.Moon 18 and B.Ramcharran 3 for 17; KNOCKERS 144 – A.Mohammed 54, D.Dhalai 3 for 21 vs
HILLTOP 122 – A.Charles 25 and D.RAmbharan 3 for 26.
Under-19 (Limited Overs): 610 SPORTS 99 – V.Ramkisoon 25, K.Boodram 2 for 8 vs ALL STARS 102 for 2 – K.Boodram 59; METRONOMES 99 – A.Ramlal 31, K.Boodram 3 for 12 vs ALL STARS 86 – B.Ramkhalawan 3 for 25.
AFTER A day of sun and sand in the Pepsi-sponsored Lay Day at the Tobago Plantations on Wednesday, racing resumed in the Angostura Tobago Sail Week in Store Bay — Race Day 3.
Guardian Star has all but sown up the premier Racing Class, leading the standings with five points. The Star continues to assert itself while maintaining its top position overall. Ninga, guided by Bajan Shane Atwell, is in second place with nine points while Brut Force is third with a distant 22 points.
In the Cruiser-Racer class, Hugo, led by Antiguan Hugo Bailey, a holder of an MBE (Member of the British Empire), leads the field with eight points, despite receiving two penalty points after an infringement on joint runner-up L’Antillaise. A bad spirit struck Spirit of St Nick on the waters in the Racing Class; after being in the lead and well-placed to shake up the “Star,” it broke its mast and is now a spectator for today’s final race, which will be sponsored by the Tobago House of Assembly Department of Tourism. Along with that piece of misfortune, the entire race day, sponsored by Peake Yacht Services, had to be re-started after 40 minutes, due to the heavy winds and choppy seas conditions.
Day 3 standings — Racing Class: 1. Guardian Star 5 pts; 2.Ten-Shun 9 pts; 3.Stag Brut Force 22 pts.
Cruiser-Racer Class: 1.Hugo 8 pts; 2.Wayward, L’Antillaise 9 pts.
Cruising Class: 1.Hotel California Too 8 pts; 2.Sun Beat III 9 pts; 3.After Hours, Nirvana 10 pts.
Charter Class I: 1.Saga Boy 3 pts; 2.Long Gone 9 pts; 3.Annie T 10 pts.
Charter Class II: 1.French Connection, Hienga 6 pts; 3.Spit Fire 13 pts.
Comfort Cruising: 1.Udjat 4 pts; 2.De Rob 10 pts; 3.Maid of Marlin 11 pts.
A BRILLIANT all-round performance by Andrew Gonsalves enabled TransBrokerage Couva Sports to register a convincing nine-wicket victory over Ceramic MerryBoys in their Fruta Cricket Festival Group Two first round match at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Guyanese opener, who set a new Carib NCL Division Two record individual score of 245 against Caroni Wanderers and also helped Couva Sports to gain promotion to Division One for the new season, set the crowd alight with his power-hitting as he smashed four mighty sixes and six fours as he raced to an unbeaten 65, and featured in an 84-run opening partnership with Deonarine Deyal who made 39. Later, Gonzales captured two wickets for 18 runs which helped restrict defending BCL Division One champions MerryBoys to 111 for four wickets off their allotted 15 overs.
In the second match of the double header on Wednesday night, last season’s runners-up FCB Clarke Road United romped to a six-wickets victory over newcomers Low Cost Munroe Road with three balls to spare. Munroe Road totalled 115 for eight off their 15 overs with national under-19 captain Alan Mahabir being the main wicket-taker with three for 19. Police allrounder Robert Mahabir, appearing as a guest player for Clarke Road, rallied the Penal-based team with a hurricane undefeated 41, with three sixes and five fours, while West Indies B team batsman Gregory Mahabir made 31 with one six and four fours.
NICOLENE des Vignes bowled Word of God to an emphatic 97 run victory over St Francois Youths, as action in the Andy’s Drink’s Sunday School Limited Overs Windball Cricket League continued at the St Paul Street Multi-Purpose Facility. She took a hat-trick at the cost of only four runs as St Francois were bundled out for a paltry 15 runs. The Word, led by Vincent Julien who scored 57 runs, piled up 112 for seven wickets in their turn at bat.
Michael Harris claimed four wickets for eight runs in the rout. Last Sunday, Word Of God was again in winners’ row, this time beating On The Rock by eight wickets. They bowled out On The Rock for 77 of which Glen Alexander contributed 32, then replied with 78 for two wickets with Julien scoring 43. But Word Of God had no answer for Fun Lovers who belted them by five wickets. Word Of God were bowled out for 71 with Julien getting 19 and Adrian Thomas 17, but Levi Joseph scored 27 and Shaky Joseph an unbeaten 19 to see Fun Lovers to victory.
St Francois bounced back from their heavy defeat to whip Conquerors by six wickets. After bowling out their opponents for 40, St Francois reached 42 for four wickets. St Paul Street drubbed Credo Scorpions by nine wickets in another match. The Scorpions were routed for 43 with Charles Jarvis taking four for six and Ancil McDonald three for nine, while St Paul Street raced to 45 for one wicket, with Antonio Birbal scoring 20 runs and VJ Francis 15 not out.
Summarised scores: WORD OF GOD 112 for 7 — A Thomas 18, Glenroy Meyers 2 for 13 vs ST FRANCOIS YTHS. 15 — M Harris 4 for 8, N Des Vignes 3 for 4; CREDO SCORPIONS 43 — C Jarvis 4 for 6 vs ST PAUL STREET 45 For one — A Birbal 20, VJ Francis 15 not out; ON THE ROCK 77 — G Alexander 32, Dwayne O’Connor 13 vs WORD OF GOD 78 for two — V Julien 43; CONQUERORS 40 — Vallon Bascombe 12, J. Roberts 4 for 4 vs ST FRANCOIS YTHS. 42 for 4 — V Bascombe 2 for 6; WORD OF GOD 71 — V Julien 19, A Thomas 17, K Ramsey 2 for 16 vs FUN LOVERS 74 for 5 — L Joseph 27, S Joseph 19 not out, A Thomas 2 for 8.
THE RACE is on for the top run scorer in the TTCBC North Zone competition. With the seventh and final round underway, several batsmen are involved in a close battle for top honours. Two weeks ago, Newsday featured Rudolph Moore who scored 259 not out for Barataria Ball Players against Sweet Revenge at the Queen’s Park Savannah ri bolkster his aggregate to over 500 runs.
But Kapil Dev Singh of Riversdale has made himself a leading contender. Two weekends ago he scored 207 not out against Sweet Revenge, and also has scores of 117 against Ebony, 104 against UWI, 111 vs Mico and 72 against PAS Wanderers. Clevion Frederick, of PAS Wanderers is closing in on 500 runs with a highest score of 170 against Ebony at Morvant. He also scored 95 against Barataria and is currently is averaging 67.5.
Another in contention and approaching 500 runs is Troy Cornelius also of PAS Wanderers. And Luke Latiff of Riversdale scored 143 not out against Sweet Revenge at two weekends ago to be another challenfger. Singh, Frederick, Latiff, and Cornelius, are members of the North team in the Courts Senior Inter-Zone series.
THE EDITOR: It is with keen interest that I read about the intention of leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to introduce a common passport requirement of all nationals in its territories. Plans are also in train for the formulation of an economic union, which will serve to integrate the sub-region.
The OECS has in fact surmounted a most fundamental obstacle with respect to the formation of a free trade zone, with the introduction of a common currency and a common central bank. The above appears to be pivotal with respect to the formation of a single market and economy. The introduction of a common currency in the form of an Economic Monetary Union (EMU), has been and still is a major sticking point with respect to European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) relations, with Britain choosing to opt-out of inclusion as regards the introduction of a monetary union, even prior to the introduction of the Euro, as the common currency within European Union.
With the proposal formation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) scheduled to come on stream in 2005, (which would virtually include all countries of the Western Hemisphere, except Cuba) and the proposed removal of preferential access of goods from African Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP), with respect to sugar, meats, bananas and rum, chiefly due to World Trade Organisation (WTO) pressure, as early as 2006, under the LOME Convention (1973), it has now become imperative that, Caricom moves with dispatch to iron out their differences and to prepare to do business as a single unit as opposed to separate entities. In this respect, the initiative led by Prime Minister, Patrick Manning of TT and the Prime Minister of St Vincent, which although a political union, can only serve as a uniting force in helping to further integrate the Caribbean region and thus should have the support of all and sundry.
That having been said, the road ahead indeed appears to be turbulent and a number of pre-requisites appear necessary. They include, inter alia — the need for a common currency within Caricom — This can indeed be very problematic, given the vast disparities in terms of currency values, balance of payments and gross domestic products (GDP), among the various territories. The elimination of all quotes and tariffs and any other barriers which tend to inhibit free trade. Free movement of skilled labour. Would a common passport be in effect? What mechanisms are in place to prevent an influx of nationals from the Lesser Developed Countries (LDC’s) to the More Developed Countries (MDC’s), especially to TT in search of a “better life.” Integration of capital markets, including synchronised stock — exchange benchmark valuations. It is instructive that to attempt to enter the proposed FTAA as a single entity is a recipe for failure and that the way to go is indeed a single bloc. This trend is evidenced given the already formed mega free trade areas such as NAFTA (USA, Mexico, Canada), MERCOSUR, (South — America), the EU (Europe) and the Asian-Pacific Economic Co-operation, in the eastern hemisphere. Caricom needs to be cognisant of the above and the fact that time is of the essence.
PETER NARCIS
Chaguanas
THE EDITOR: There is a runaway car going downhill, its driver is so happy that he got his licence that he forgets that driving is a great responsibility, and many people could be hurt if the car crashes especially on the hill.
This car is loaded with passengers each enjoying themselves, and the driver himself is laughing all the way while pedestrians on the road are not aware of the wild driving that could cause their demise. People going down the hill are not concerned with the seriousness these days with so many fatal accidents. Certain people while walking on that road were knocked down on that same hill when the driver said he got away from a pot hole to make accommodation for a car just like his, and the accident was unavoidable. Many people on that road were lucky enough to get a lift in the car although it was full to capacity because they knew the driver very well, and they were accommodated because they help in cleaning the car while changing the tyres, and so on.
There are others who were given lifts for free, but their families had to pay for the ride because the rides were given without their consent, and those rides were given on a bumpy and dangerous road. The rate that the driver is driving he seems to be heading for disaster, and crashing the vehicle with all its passengers. The people in the car would not tell him that he is not driving safe because they know he believes he is the best driver around. A new car should perform better, but it would seem that it is a new car, but in reality it is a refurbished vehicle with second hand parts hence the reason that there is suspicion that the brakes are not working. While the car is on its way downhill there is a lot of noise like gunshots, but the driver tells his passengers, “Let not your hearts be troubled, it’s only firecrackers.”
This car going down the hill at that rate is definitely a food for thought. What seems to be the problem is that a lot of money is spent to keep the car in working condition. The amount of money spent on that car would definitely send the driver bankrupt, but one thing the passengers are properly insured in case there is an accident. How long would that car continue going downhill is another question, but many people say that the way the car is swaying from side to side it is definitely going to crash. Let’s hope there is not a blown tyre or other problems like the running out of gas will not occur or the car would crash killing its passengers and pedestrians alike. Beware, there is definitely a car going downhill so fasten your safety belts fright away or it maybe too late.
HORACE DESORMEAUX
Maraval
THE EDITOR: ASPIRE has been vilified as “pro-abortion” simply because we have done research and requested a public dialogue to review our law of abortion. Actually, we are 28 years behind our own Caricom Ministers of Health. Every specialist in Maternal health care can attest to this.
Ever since 1975, the Ministers of Health have been making and revising resolutions regarding abortion law reform. The 1993 version of the Strategy reads as follows: “Appropriate measures for the management and reduction of induced abortion and their complications should be taken for the protection of the women’s health.” “Family planning information and services should be provided to all hospitalised post-abortion patients.” “Laws related to abortion should be reviewed with a view toward their liberalisation, if deemed appropriate.” “Where abortions are performed, they should be done by a suitably trained person.” “In each such case, pre and post-abortion counselling should be offered to the patient.”
Abortion law reform is listed as one of the priority areas for legislative action. Yet in more than a quarter of a century only Barbados (1983) and Guyana (1995) have taken any serious legislative action. Both of those initiatives occurred when a woman was Minister of Health, Billie Miller in Barbados and Gail Teixeira in Guyana. Perhaps the present reluctance of our Minister of Health deserves more sympathy than we have been willing to extend. Masculinity may be an impediment to a full appreciation of the grievous extent of the harm of unsafe abortion.
HAZEL MONTANO
Blue Range
ST. JOHN’S: Two West Indian rookies created cricket history yesterday, successfully chasing a mammoth 418 fourth-innings total to beat Australia by three wickets in their fourth and final Test.
It was the highest fourth innings total to win in 125 years of Test cricket, easily surpassing the 406 for four by India to beat the West Indies in 1976 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. “It’s hard to put into words what has happened in this Test match but it’s great,” captain Brian Lara said after the match. “It’s great to be playing against Australia, the world champions, and it’s great to see us show the mettle, show the character and come out with a great win today,” said Lara. The West Indies’ victory denied Australia from becoming the first team to sweep a series in the Caribbean. Australia won it 3-1 to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, symbol of supremacy between the teams since 1965.
The West Indian heroes were Omari Banks (47 not out) and Vasbert Drakes (27 not out), who shared a tension-filled, unbroken stand of 46 for the eighth wicket. The two uprooted the stumps as souvenirs and charged toward ecstatic team mates even as fans invaded the field, screaming, whistling and waving multicoloured flags of the Caribbean islands. Two men cartwheeled across the Antigua Recreation Ground in jubilation. “I’m really proud of the guys,” Lara, who contributed 60 to the run chase on Monday, said of the youngest team ever fielded by the West Indies, average age under 25. Australia had their hopes lifted early when Shivnarine Chanderpaul fell with the addition of one run at 372 for seven. Left-hander Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan hit centuries on Monday to power the victory bid after Lara’s dismissal. Chanderpaul edged a catch to the wicket-keeper off Brett Lee (four for 63). Chanderpaul, named “Man of the Match,” scored 104 off 154 balls with 17 fours and one six in 229 minutes.
With the Aussies fired up, the 33-year-old Drakes and Banks, at 20 the youngest member of the team, showed calm assurance in their association. Australian captain Steve Waugh started with pacers Lee and Gillespie, who kept the West Indies batsmen static for the first half hour. But Drakes, in his sixth Test, gave the lead with some positive stroke play and Banks, in only his second, soon followed. Drakes’ clipped-on drive off Lee was the first boundary of the day, but the runs soon flowed with greater ease. The introduction of leg-spinner Stuart MacGill proved costly as he was pasted for 21 runs from 3.5 overs. Drakes launched him for a massive six onto the roof of the Andy Roberts Stand at midwicket to bring up the 400 and reduce the target to just 16 runs. Waugh turned to McGrath with 10 needed and his champion was taken for a single off his solitary over. But with nine needed, MacGill was glanced for four to fine leg by Banks, who then took a single to give Drakes the chance to create history. The Barbadian obliged with a rasping square cut to the fence amid joyful scenes from West Indians on and off the field. Drakes lashed three fours and one six in an hour off 47 balls in his career-best score. Banks, who was 28 not out overnight, spent three hours in the middle, hitting five fours off 114 balls.
ST. JOHN’S: West Indies captain Brian Lara described yesterday’s historic victory over Australia as “the greatest cricket moment of my life” following his team’s nerve-racking three-wicket win.
“It’s the greatest cricketing experience that I’ve had, and I’ve had a few,” the 34-year-old Lara said. “I’ve had 375, 501 and the win in Barbados against Australia.” “I’ve been playing test cricket for 12 years and this is the greatest cricketing moment of my life,” Lara said. “Nothing surpasses this.” Lara’s innings of 375 and 501 established world records in 1994 while his unbeaten 153 led the West Indies to a one-wicket win in Barbados in 1999. However, yesterday’s tense charge to a mammoth victory target of 418 was the highest ever fourth innings total to win in the 125 years of test cricket. But there was something different about the victory. Whereas the team has typically relied on Lara to seal victories, other players took the spotlight while the skipper watched from the pavilion.
Ramnaresh Sarwan (105) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104) led the victory charge after Lara was out midway through the fourth day for 60 at 165 for four. In addition, two rookies chipped in with key plays: Omari Banks (47 not out) and Vasbert Drakes (27 not out) saw the home team through once Sarwan fell late Monday and Australia charged back with the wicket of Chanderpaul early on the final day. The two rookies notched career-best scores in adding a match-winning, unbroken 46 for the eighth wicket. “The guys went out confident,” Lara said. “In Vasbert Drakes, we had someone who was capable of taking us past the total and he showed exactly what he was made of today.” Lara tagged the unflappable Banks “a breath of fresh air.” “I think he’s got a great future,” Lara said. “He’s got a great team spirit.”
Lara said he gained confidence after a longtime fan showed him the scores in the previous highest chase: India’s 406 for four against the West Indies in 1976 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. “It didn’t look impressive,” Lara acknowledged. “It looked like it was a great team effort.” “Two guys got a hundred and a guy got 80. There wasn’t anything great,” Lara added. “It relaxed my mind. I personally thought that somebody needed to play a big innings or we needed to be 300 without loss but I realised that wasn’t the case.” Lara revealed how he helped motivate his team during the run chase. “I tried to get the guys thinking of their best innings,” the skipper said.
Lara, in his first series in his second stint as captain, also said that Monday’s nose-to-nose verbal confrontation between Glenn McGrath and Sarwan was one of those incidents that added spice to the sport. “It’s a gentleman’s sport, yes, but we’re playing for our country and you expect people to give for their country and you expect people to get into a little conflict and stuff out there,” Lara said. “Of course, a few things were said out there but it will be left out there as far as I’m concerned.” Lara added that he was confident the victory would propel his team to better things for the future. “Achieving this is going to fast forward us to greater things in the future,” Lara predicted. “I mentioned to one of the selectors that I don’t think we’re going to lose another Test match for the year because we have improved in every single Test match.” “(The win) showed the character and it showed the progression of the guys, mentally and physically, and they must be commended,” Lara said.
