Eastern American Youths Clinch Tri State Cup

By Orin Davidson
If the Tri State Under-19 competition was a test of leadership by example, the final result would’ve justified the performances of Karran Ganesh and Andre Kirton.

Ganesh’s Eastern American Youths, took advantage of a solid batting display by the captain to defeat Tri State Youths in the final of the competition held last Saturday at Idlewild Park.

Try as he might, Kirton, Tri State’s captain could not inspire his team to victory with the ball as the burden of the unfamiliar captaincy role seemingly affected his bowling which did not realize any wickets.

Of all the players on show Kirton was only one of two with Under-19 World Cup experience, but it was Ganesh, who did not make the cut in February, was the most accomplished player on show.

The tall right-hand batsman took control of his team’s victory charge by stroking an attractive 46 as Eastern American Youths overhauled Tri State Youth’s 151 runs for six wickets in 30 overs – the allocation given after rain reduced play.

Ganesh took the crease with his team down three wickets with the encounter still in the balance and went on to build a solid fourth wicket partnership with Sunil Sukhdeo, that spearheaded them to an eventual total of 155-5 off 27 overs.

Ganesh hit four fours and displayed sound technique especially when executing the off-drive when Kirton and company were throwing everything at him.

With Ganesh well set to see his team to the end, he hit a full toss high into the air off a leading edge and was caught by wicketkeeper Francis Mendonca.

Suhdeo made 31 and there was also a solid contribution of 22 by Anand Singh.

Dominic Audain the national junior team’s number one paceman at the World Cup, was a shadow of himself, but still managed to bag two wickets for 30 runs for Tri State Youths. Dwayne Hurley was the pick of the bowlers, capturing 2-22, yet it was Hunain Munir who produced the best overall display for the losers. The right hand allrounder compiled a game high 57, but his day was spoilt after he was called three times for throwing by the square leg umpire, when called to break the Ganesh/Sukdeo partnership, with his off spin.

Audian set up an accomplished allround display by scoring 34 before he was run out and along with Mendonca who scored 24, were the main Tri State Youths scorers.

No Eastern American bowler dominated the Tri State attack as Ganesh, A. Pooran, T. McKenzie and S. Bridgepair took one wicket each, but it was enough to restrict the opposition to a manageable score.

Eastern American Youths took home the Bedessee trophy and $1000 while Tri State won the Cricket International trophy and $500.

Ganesh and Munir won bats for their performances.
Orin Davidson Column Homepage