President of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) Azim Bassarath is excited the red ball season has finally started.
Speaking at the opening of the league at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair, Port-of-Spain on Friday, Bassarath explained the red ball cricket “is very important for the development of the players”.
Referencing Australian batsman David Warner, he said the hard-hitting opener openly stated that “the red ball cricket has helped the T20 cricket”.
Also at the opening of the league, the secretary of sponsors, the Sport and Culture Fund, Wendy Barton, encouraged groups to apply for funding for various sports and cultural events.
Barton said, “If you meet all the criteria set out by the board, you can receive sponsorship.”
Following the launch, Queen’s Park Cricket Club I (QPCC) and Preysal met in the opening match.
Only 38 overs were possible because of rain at the Queen’s Park Oval.
When the weather did allow for play to take place, Queens Park I, took the first strike at home against Preysal. The home team managed to get to 147/5 at the close with Jordan Warner topping the batting with 77.
Isaiah Rajah, one of the overnight batsmen, was on 31. Adrian Cooper and Vishan Jaggassar were the picks of the Presyal bowlers so far with 2 for 42 and 2 for 34, respectively.
At Felicity, Central Sports dominated the first day with a commanding 291 for 9 at stumps on day one. Former T&T fast bowler Marlon Richards is on 61 not out and Kjorn Ottley made 34.
At Syne Village, Powergen is 227 for 6 at the end of the first day’s play. E Nicholson topscored with 60, while Cephas Cooper reached 59. Daniel Williams added 44. Justyn Gangoo took 2 for 14, Kerwyn Sirju took 2 for 19 and Yannick Ottley took 2 for 27.
At Pierre Road, Rickash Boodram fell 11 short on what would have been the first century of the season, as he fell for 89. Shatrughan Rambaran took 4 for 29 and Sanjiv Gooljar took 3 for 39. Lara scored 29 and Jason Batson scored 28. Alescon Comets closed the day on 58 for 4.
Scores
At QPO: QPCC I 147/5 (38 overs) (J Warner 77; Adrian Cooper 2-42, Vishan Jaggassar 2-34) vs Preysal.
At Felicity: Central Sports 291/9 (M Richards 61 not out, Kjorn Ottley 34) vs Victoria.
At Syne Village: Powergen 227/6 (65 ocvers) (E Nicholson 60, C Cooper 59; J Gangoo 214, K Sirju 2-19, Y Ottley 2-27) vs Clarke Road.
At Pierre Road: QPCC II 180 (42.1 overs) (R Boodram 89; S Rambaran 4-29) vs Alescon Comets 58/4 (16 overs) (S Rambaran 23 not out).