New York Under-19 team with their blazers.

New York Edge Florida To U-19 Reach Final

By Orin Davidson
Sept. 1st, 2008
New York crowned themselves Eastern Conference champions by pulling off a nail-biting one -wicket victory over Florida (South East Region) to end the preliminary round unbeaten in the United States national Under-19 cricket championship Sunday in Florida.

Lakeram Latchman was among the runs in every game.

Despite not being at their best, New York overcame a spirited performance from the home team to top the Eastern Conference section with two wins from two matches to take a step closer to retaining the national title they won last year..

They earned the right to play Michigan (Central East) winner of the Western Conference in the championship game on Monday.

New York which defeated New Jersey (Atlantic Region) needed to win their two matches in Eastern Conference playoffs after the fourth team Connecticut did not show up for the competition.

A solid all round performance by Raheem James spurred New York’s victory, achieved in the penultimate over as they overcame a stirring comeback by Florida.

Batting first Florida recovered from a top order crisis after seven wickets fell before they reached 80, to compile 161 runs for eight wickets in their allotted 32 overs after the encounter was reduced from 50 overs due to rain and thunderstorms caused by Hurricane Gustav.

Brandon Donbeyor led the scoring with 40 and got some support from Ricky Niyar who made 26.

Shaan Metha threatened to rout Florida with his medium pace and ended with four wickets for 17 runs in an impressive bowling display for New York’s.

James, another medium pacer came good with 2-23 and he returned with the bat to score a match winning 47 as New York struggled to overcome their target. They eventually got home, scoring 162-9 in 31 overs.

Star batsman Gregory Sewdial chipped in with 28 which along with useful contributions from Lakeram Latchman with 22 not out and Cameron Mirza 19 were enough to bring home the bacon.

Sunil Deopersaud led Florida’s wicket taker, ending with a fine haul of 4-41 while Niyar came good with 2-32.

But their efforts just fell short at the Central Broward Regional Park.
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