Watkins’ 66 helps Malteenoes clinch Sherwin Williams T20 crown

Marcus Watkins struck 66 from 45 balls and earned the Player of the Match award as Malteenoes Sports Club defeated Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) by three runs to win the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Sherwin Williams Second Division T20 competition.

Malteenoes posted 194 for three in the final at the GCC ground, then defended the total despite half-centuries from Leon Johnson and Joshua Wade.

Johnson led GCC’s pursuit with 71 from 53 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six, while Wade’s rapid 57 from 20 balls had given the home side a strong start.

Wade attacked during the powerplay, striking four fours and six sixes before Nichosie Barker removed him, with Jeremiah Scott taking the catch at long-off. His dismissal gave Malteenoes an important breakthrough after GCC’s early burst of scoring.

Johnson took charge of the chase, with Timothy McAlmont contributing 22 from 24 balls. However, GCC found it difficult to keep pace with the required rate towards the end, and Malteenoes limited them to three runs fewer than their own total to secure the championship.

Earlier, GCC won the toss and chose to field. Scott helped Malteenoes reach 68 for one after the powerplay, setting the foundation for their challenging total.

Their progress was interrupted when Shemroy Barrington retired hurt for 17 and Scott was subsequently caught at long-on for 40 from 22 deliveries. Scott’s innings included three fours and three sixes.

Malteenoes were 74 for two following those setbacks and reached the halfway point at 87 for two, with the scoring having slowed after the brisk opening.

Watkins and Barker rebuilt the innings through a 59-run partnership. Barker made 23 from 20 balls before Johnson dismissed him lbw.

Watkins provided the main contribution with seven fours and four sixes in his 66, while Damian Vantull added a quick 28 from 11 deliveries. Four of Vantull’s scoring shots cleared the boundary, giving Malteenoes a late lift as they finished their 20 overs on 194 for three.

Watkins received the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution.

Source: Kiskadee Watch