Two left-arm orthodox spinners playing for different teams both bagged seven wickets on the opening of round five of the T&T Cricket Board Premiership Division I competition at different venues on Saturday.
With the TTCB allowing their domestic tournament to continue despite the coronavirus fears, both players used the opportunity to showcase their wares.
Khary Pierre dropped from the national team spun 7/55 against Preysal at the Queen's Park Oval as they crashed to 171 all out. Kamil Pooran and Saiba Batoosingh each scored 42 but Pierre was too good on the day. At the close of play QPCC I was in some trouble at 131/6 with in-form opener Jeremy Solozano holding up the innings with an unbeaten 52.
Solozano who scored a century in the last game against Clarke Road looked the part and defied spinner Rakesh Maharaj who claimed 2/8.
At Syne Village in Penal, it was the turn of Kavesh Kantasingh to star, as he collected 7/66 to bowl out Central Sports for 203. Import Alex Antoine led the way with a well-struck 90. PowerGen in return was bowled out for just 82 as spinners Ricky Jaipaul 2/4 and Antoine 2/21 proved difficult to negotiate. Pacer Marlon Richards was good at the top to claim 3/23. Batting a second time Central Sports closed the day on 74/4. When play on the final day begins today, Central Sports will look to build on their lead of 195 with the remaining six wickets.
Across at Barrackpore, there was no cricket because home team Victoria could not access the Barrackpore West Secondary School because of the Ministry's decision to stop all activities at the schools. The TTCB's National league committee has decided that they would reschedule the game at a later date.
SCORES
TTCB PREMIERSHIP DIVISION I - ROUND FIVE
At the Oval: Preysal 171 all out (Kamil Pooran 42, Saiba Battosingh 42, Khary Pierre 7/55) vs QPCC I 131/6 (Jeremy Solozano 52no, Rakesh Maharaj 2/8, Strashank Sankar 2/27).
At Syne Village: Central Sports 203 all out (Alex Antoine 90, Kavesh Kantasingh 7/66) & 74/4 (Trevon Griffith 34, Royston Crandon 2/23) vs PowerGen 82 all out (Ewart Nicholson 31, Ricky Jaipaul 2/4, Marlon Richards 3/23, Alex Antoine 2/21).
At Felicity: QPCC II 197 (Marlon Barclay 43, Camilio Carimbocus 42, Bryan Charles 4/82) vs Alescon Comets 123/3 (Joshua Persad 39no).
At Barrackpore: Victoria vs Clarke Road - to be rescheduled.