Athanaze Blazes – By Samuel Peters
Athanaze Blazes Woeful Spartans
It was another episode where the weather affected the outcomes of matches in the second week of the ABCA Super 40 Competition, with three of them being abandoned due to wet outfields. However, New Winthorpes Lions and Empire Nation were able to comfortably walk away with points.
The defending champions roared to their second victory in as many matches when they hosted minnows Bolans Blasters, beating them by an impressive eight wickets. Batting first, the visitors were bundled out for 114 in 27.3 overs, as Orandel Boston ravaged the fragile batting line-up, collecting four for 29, while Ian Eusebe grabbed two for 20. Earl Waldron, Orlando Peters, and Nazair Williams each scored 22 in Bolans’ score.
Tyrone Williams then saw the title holders home with a dashing 76 off 54 deliveries, striking seven fours and four sixes to guide his side to the target in just 15.5 overs.
In the town derby, Rising Sun Spartans faltered once again as Empire Nation defended their home turf with authority in a match shortened to 20 overs. They went on the attack from the very first over as Tanez Francis (23) set the tone early against fellow West Indies Under-19 teammate Jakeem Pollard (3-42).
His cameo, though short-lived, provided the platform for Jaquan Athanaze’s riveting innings of 92 from just 41 deliveries, which included 10 fours and six maximums, propelling Empire Nation to 246 for five from their allotted overs. He took a particular liking to his fellow Princess Margaret School teammate Kerique Mentore, smashing 34 runs out of the 72 runs he conceded from his four overs.
Athanaze received solid support from Damian Lowenfield (54) and Zianni Da Silva (34) as Empire piled on the runs.
Spartans also got off to a rapid start in pursuit of the daunting target, made even more difficult after being reduced by three overs due to a slow over rate. Royal Richards played an entertaining knock of 60 from 37 balls, while Hilroy Andrew contributed a fluent 34 from 24 deliveries.
Athanaze returned with the ball to cap off a brilliant all-round performance, claiming three for 15, while Micah McKenzie and Francis picked up two wickets each. Spartans were eventually bowled out for 137 in 15.5 overs, handing Empire Nation a commanding 109-run victory— their first win of the competition.
