EASTERN AMERICAN UNDER-19 YOUTHS ON TOP
League’s Young Stars Capture Spotlight

By John L. Aaron
The Eastern American Cricket Association’s participation in this year’s Under-19 tournament has paid off big dividends for the league’s squad of youngsters. Now riding at the top of the standings, the EACA’s Under-19 squad led by Karran Ganesh has proved themselves too hot to handle by other teams competing in the New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC tournament.

The Eastern American Cricket Association’s Under-19 team has been undefeated so far, having put away a Cricket International XI, Tri-State and Washington, DC teams.

Last weekend at Baisley Pond Park, the EACA XI faced off against a Tri-State XI coached by National Youth Development Coach Linden Fraser. Batting first EACA racked up 228 for 9 in their 40 overs. With solid all around performances from its batsmen, EACA was able to comfortably defeat the Tri-State XI by three wickets. Opener Saud Hoosein top scored with an even 50 off 51 balls, while skipper Karran Ganesh enjoyed a patient knock of 35 and V. Bridgepaul, an unbeaten 31.

Tri-State’s Rusty Kirton had impressive match figures of 8-0-42-5, with the remaining four wickets shared among N. Ramcharran, Thomas and B. Ramnarine.

In reply, only Tri-State’s Mendonza, 38, Thomas, 26 and Kester, 21 showed any real resistance to the bowling attack of the EACA squad. The Tri-State XI or rather its seven of eight batsmen could only muster 121 for 7 in 28.1 overs.

The Tri-State wickets fell at: 46, 53, 53, 86, 107, 110 and 121. Bowling for the EACA - Tewarie intimidated the Tri-State youngsters with figures of 4-1-9-3 followed by D. Umadhan 2 for 30 off 6 overs and Tigana and McBride with one for 31 and point-one over-0-0-1, respectively. The EACA is now guaranteed a finals berth. However, their opponent is yet to be determined. Smart money says it may be New Jersey coached by Basil Butcher, Jr. son of the legendary Guyana and West Indies Test player Basil Butcher, Snr.

In the only other contest played last weekend in New Jersey, a Cricket International Development XI was beaten by a representative New Jersey XI.
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