RTW Falcons, Royal Knights Set Semis
Defending champions RTW Falcons and unbeaten Royal Knights will meet in the BVICA Peter Haycraft Ten10 Cup semifinals in Greenland this Sunday after convincing wins over Grenada and the Vikings. Cavaliers, winless in the league, will miss the playoffs for the first time.
Defending champions RTW Falcons and unbeaten Royal Knights have set up an intriguing BVICA Peter Haycraft Ten10 Cup semifinal clash in Greenland this Sunday after strong wins on Thursday that finalized the playoff pairings. RTW Falcons reached the last four by comfortably chasing down Grenada’s 120, helped by a brutal late cameo from Austin McDowall.
McDowall smashed seven sixes in a 49 not out off 12 balls and, together with opener Dameron Prince’s 32 not out, guided the Falcons to 121 for 2 in nine overs. The knock brought McDowall’s tournament tally to 158. Grenada had earlier been buoyed by a power-packed innings from Derrol Readhead, who struck six fours and five sixes in a season-best 62 off 24 balls and pushed his season total to 170.
An encouraging start, capped by a 60-run opening stand, gave way to a dramatic collapse as Grenada slipped to five for 85. Akim Mousey Hendrickson and Alvin Africa put on 35 for a recovery, but Hendrickson’s dismissal for 30 left Grenada short at 120 in the 10th over. RTW Falcons bowlers Kenron Baptiste and Imran Smith shared the wickets, with Baptiste returning 2 for 21 to take a league-leading six wickets overall and Smith grabbing 2 for 25.
Rondey Marryshow and Derrol Readhead picked up one each for Grenada. Grenada captain Andel Walcott called the result "unfortunate," saying the team had good starts in both batting and bowling but had not sustained pressure. "Our bowling has been giving up plenty of runs. Hopefully we’ll bowl well and get some early wickets," he added.
Falcons captain Orlando "Facebook" Olliverre said the victory was a timely boost after a recent loss. "We’re now in the semifinal and looking for a place in the final and seeking to win it again this year," Olliverre said, stressing the need for collective focus in bowling, fielding and batting.
In the other deciding match, Royal Knights overhauled the Vikings’ 115 for 6 in just 5.4 overs, powered by a quickfire 54 from Kieon DeJesus that included seven fours. Vincent Farley took 3 for 13 and Ameri Hinds 2 for 29 for the Vikings. Notably, wicketkeeper Julian Banett, who had earlier produced big scores in the league, was held to 19 and finished the competition with 274 runs.
The semifinals in Greenland promise high-octane action for local fans as the Falcons aim to defend their title and the Royal Knights look to maintain their unbeaten run. Report: Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway / The Island Sun.
Primary source: Island Sun