Benta Freeland – By Samuel Peters
Benta Freeland Shoot Down
Former Leeward Islands wicketkeeper-batsman Deran Benta delivered a career-defining performance as Jennings Tigers demolished the Bethesda Golden Eagles by an innings and 128 runs in a completely one-sided contest.
Playing in his third match for the Jennings Tigers, Benta etched his name into the local record books by registering the first double century of his career, finishing unbeaten on 200, an innings that featured 11 towering sixes and 17 fours. He found excellent support from West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Matthew Miller, who struck a fluent 100, as the pair came together for a mammoth sixth-wicket partnership worth 274 runs in just under 30 overs. Their stand powered Jennings Tigers to 370 for five declared from 51 overs on day one.
In reply, the Golden Eagles crumbled for 62, with Zavier Freeland tearing through the batting lineup to claim six for 11, well supported by Glenton Williams with three for 15. Asked to follow on 308 runs in arrears, the Eagles were once again placed under immense pressure as Freeland threatened with early breakthroughs.
Resistance came through Tayari Tonge (52) and Mbeki Joseph (80), who added 110 for the sixth wicket, but once both fell in quick succession the innings unraveled rapidly. Bethesda were bowled out for 180, with Freeland completing an outstanding match haul of 10 for 51, including four for 40 in the second innings.
At the Rising Sun Grounds, Rising Sun Spartans secured their first win of the season, edging Tertiary Institutions and Schools by two wickets in a hard-fought encounter.
Batting first, Schools were dismissed for 106, undone by Treverson Atley’s superb spell of five for 22. The Spartans responded with 211 for eight declared, highlighted by Jeremiah Louis’ brilliant 106, following up his 97 against Bolans Blasters in the previous round. Junior Henry chipped in with a brisk 47.
As conditions eased, Schools mounted a strong reply, posting 306 for nine in 60 overs. Kaivalya Mishra (76) led the charge, with valuable contributions from Damel Evelyn (68) and Hosea Roberts (50). Ryan Bandoo continued his fine season, claiming his second five-wicket haul with five for 93.
Chasing 202 for victory, the Spartans reached 203 for eight in 33 overs. Henry once again dominated with 55, Kerry Mentore struck 45, and Louis followed up his century with 42. Despite Mishra’s threatening spell of four for 79, debutant Jamal Smith held his nerve to guide the Spartans home.
At Pigotts, All Saints Pythons were bowled out for 181 against the Pigotts Crushers, with the fast bowlers enjoying a productive outing. Emroy Lee (3 for 39), Miandre James (2 for 10) and Tyree Moore (2 for 38) led the charge. Kenrick Scott top-scored with 41, while Michael Marcellin (37) and Michael Dover and Raneico Smith (26 each) offered support.
The Crushers replied with 254, driven by Kadeem Henry’s 73 and Xaveek Toppin’s 60. Fast bowler Smith claimed his first five-wicket haul of the season with five for 65. Scott continued his fine form with 62 in the second innings, while Smith added 54, showcasing his all-round value. Jalen Harris’ devastating spell of six for 27 saw the Pythons dismissed for 187. The Crushers then eased to 117 for three, with Uri Smith (55) and Carlon Tuckett (40) steering a seven-wicket victory.
At the Antigua Recreation Ground, Liberta Blackhawks settled for first-innings points over Empire Nation. The men from town were bowled out for 227 with J’Quan Athanaze (65) and Mavendra Dindyal (59) leading the way. Rahkeem Cornwall (3 for 26), Jaeo Benjamin (2 for 30) and Hayden Walsh Jr. (2 for 62) starred with the ball.
The Blackhawks responded strongly, reaching 154 for two, with Kofi James narrowly missing a century on 98. Michael Greaves (69) and Walsh Jr. (68) added valuable runs. Athanaze then impressed with the ball, taking three for 34, as Empire reached 116 for three when play was called off, with Zianni Da Silva top-scoring on 48.
At New Winthorpes, the Lions pushed hard for an outright victory but had to settle for dominance without the final result against Bolans Blasters. The Lions declared on 277 for eight, led by Ian Eusebe’s95, with Alzarri Joseph (50) and Demari Benta (39) contributing. Dimitri Adams claimed four for 79.
Zishan Motara then produced a brilliant spell of six for 57, supported by Benta’s two wickets. Sent in again on a wearing surface, Bolans showed resilience, reaching 175 for five before time expired. Mikyle Louis posted his first fifty-plus score of the season with 55, while Adams added 48.
After Round Three, Liberta Blackhawks and New Winthorpes Lions sit joint top on 30 points, followed by Jennings Tigers on 21. Bolans Blasters and Rising Sun Spartans share fourth on 18 points, while Pigotts Crushers and Empire Nation occupy sixth and seventh with 15 points each. The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 Antigua Premier League T20 Competition later this season, setting up an intense race as the championship unfolds.
