Local cricket league off to a great start in Nevis

Justin Athanze stars for Empire

Alex Williams scores a half century

Jason Campbell speaks with young Shelton Forbes

Sports News…April 23 2012 — A brief but impressive ceremony on Thursday 19th April, signaled the start of the Nevis Cricket Association’s 2012 cricket season. President of the NCA, Sterling Marshall-Heyliger, in his brief remarks apologized for the late start to the season and noted that it was basically due to an initial lack of sponsorship. He however lauded the St.Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank for coming forward to effectively bounce starts the season.

Marketing Manager for the prestigious institution Ms Shirna Pemberton indicated that her institution will continue to contribute to the development of the youth of the Federation in various ways. One of the ways is through sports and therefore cricket in this instance was only one of those ways. She advised the cricketers to enjoy themselves; be sportsmanlike and strive for the ultimate dream of making it to the West Indies cricket team.

Manager of the Nevis Branch, Ms Sherming Lewis presented President Marshal with a cheque of sponsorship for the first division league, to the value of $15,000.00. She then declared the National Bank two day league officially opened.

Also making brief remarks was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Alsted Pemberton who represented the Hon Minister of Sports; Hon Hensley Daniel. He pointed to the seriousness with which sports is viewed by the Nevis Island Government and indicated that a delegation led by the Hon Daniel would be going shortly to Antigua to be part of an OECS delegation of sporting officials with a view of planning the way forward for sports within the OECS. He noted that the expenses incurred by the delegation will be taken care of by the Nevis Island Administration.

The proceedings were chaired by Treasurer of the NCA, Mr. Stascius Wallace.

Immediately after the opening ceremony, an Association’s select X1 engaged last year’s division two champions, Calypso Cricket. The Association’s X1 batted first and scored 88 all out in their allotted 20 overs. Eustace Johnson top scored with a patient 31 not out and Wendell Wallace contributed 15.

The wicket takers for the Calypso team were: Elroy David 3 for 16; Jenerson France 3 for 7; Frank Monzac 3 for 11 and Ted Brandy 1 for 21.

Calypso Cricket needed only 13.4 overs to knock off the required runs-89 for 4 at the end, led by a well played 31 not out by Marvin Hamilton. The evergreen Deryck Parry scored a rapid 23 not out.

Prince Williams; Sterling Marshall; Sydney Newton and Velly Maynard all got one wicket each.