Sundar Memorial Series
Baker Fails To Stop Guyana From Defeating Caribbean Side

By Orin Davidson
The games did not play out as expected, but Orlando Baker took the opportunity to send the national selectors a message when the 14th Sundar Memorial cricket day was staged last Saturday at Whitestone Park in the Bronx.

Derick Kallicharran

Baker slammed an exciting 94 in a fruitless effort for Rest of the Caribbean who were beaten by Guyana in the feature game of a program reduced to two games from three originally planned.

The much anticipated display by the ex legends of West Indies cricket did not come off, as all except Basil Butcher and Joe Solomon could not make the trip to New York for different reasons.

Rohan Kanhai who had indicated that illness to his wife prevented him journeying from London, earlier in the week, was joined by Clive Lloyd and Lance Gibbs who were sidelined at the last minute.

Sobers and Gibbs were called into emergency service Saturday for the Stanford 20 overs million-dollar competition for which they are special ambassadors.

Originally scheduled to fly to New York on Saturday morning, they had to cancel all plans as rain forced the last two Stanford quarter final gamesinto Saturday from Friday in Antigua, hence the no show of the two greats at Whitestone Park.

Butcher and Soloman along with ex- West Indies opening batsman Leonard Baichan were present, but due to the unavailability of the three main attractions, the Hong Kong type six-a-side game for them was not played.

Nevertheless a fair sized crowd showed up and was treated to exhilarating batting by the overlooked U.S. all rounder Baker who cracked nine fours and one six to carry Rest of the Caribbean to 145 all out in 29.1 of their alloted overs.

They were chasing 168-7 put up by Guyana when they batted first. Baker who did not find favor with the national selectors for the Americas Cup competition, took his omission in stride and went on to post the highest score of the day.

Outstanding late change bowling spells sent Rest of Caribbean crashing to defeat as Under-19 players Andre Kirton and Saud Hossein engineered the demise, capturing three wickets for 13 runs and 3-20 respectively.

The ever green Deryck Kallicharran proved that his leg spin is still primed to kill as he joined in the carnage, bagging 3-23.

Only Livingstone Puckering of the other Rest team batsmen displayed any resistance, making 24, in the process.

Kirton, the national Under-19 player, who captured his three wickets from on five overs, also pulled off two brilliant catches in a classy performance on the field to crown his telling left arm orthodox spin.

Andrian Bevaun was the star of Guyana’s batting as he hammered 66 to spearhead Guyana’s victory.

Bevaun crashed five sixes and two fours batting at number five after Guyana was pressured early by the Rest of Caribbean opening bowlers.

Hossein craved out a fine 24 to steady the innings early after the openers failed, due to the incisiveness of gangling David Ravello who snatched a match best haul of 5-20 from six overs. Baker was also effective with the ball, capturing 2-26, but his efforts needed matching by at least one other played. But he took the Man of the Match award.

Kallicharran revealed the game was his last in the Sundar series as he is now officially retired. “At 49 years, I have had plenty of cricket and it is time to call it a day,” the former Guyana all-rounder stated.

He received heaps of praise from Glen Lorrick who has played in all of the 14 Sundar Memorial series games. “ As far as I am concerned, Deryck is still one of the finest all rounders in America and it is sad to see him go,” the veteran batsman said.

The day’s activities were marred by the behavior of the Whitestone Parks security officials, who created ugly scenes while searching and seizing alcohol taken to the Park by fans.

The ruling prohibiting use of such consumption was rigidly enforced by the over zealous officials who created several confrontations with angry fans.

Chief coordinator of the series Ray Sundar deemed the officials behavior ultra aggressive, stating that many people’s rights were infringed when containers and coolers were invaded without permission.

Otherwise Sundar said the day’s proceedings were well executed but he expressed disappointment the fans were not afforded the chance to see the legends in action. He also was peeved that some top U.S. players were not given the chance to play.

In the junior game played, Hossien with 38 Gregory Siewdial with 35 retired and Andre Kirton 27 shone when Brian Ajodhi’s team played a Rest team over 20 overs. All the participating players were presented with playing gear by the organizers.
Orin Davidson Column Homepage