Georgetown Flex Text breezed through the Super Sixes stage and into the semi-finals of the Digicel Summer Smash 20/20 competition over the weekend with two easy victories over New Amsterdam Free Credit and South Essequibo Storm.
On Friday at the Blairmont Community Centre ground national wicketkeeper/batsman Derwin Christian blasted 45 from 15 balls as his team compiled 146-8 in its allotment of 20 overs, hitting four sixes and a four.
He got support from national opener Christopher Barnwell who hit three sixes in his 42 and Deon Ferrier who knocked 20, which included two boundaries (1×4, 1×6).
R. Budhram was the chief wicket taker with 3-23 before his team was bowled out for 90 in 19.5 overs. He returned with the bat to top score with 24 (2×4) while Anthony Bramble chipped in with 15 (1×4). Spinner and Captain Leon Johnson spearheaded the attack with 3-13 (4) while spinners Troy Gonsalves (2-16) and Ferrier (2-18) lent their support.
On Saturday at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground, Essequibo Storm were blown away by 51 runs as they chased 161 for victory.
Batting first, GTFT composed 160-9 from 20 overs with Steven Jacobs stroking 42 (3×6) before their match winner in the final preliminary round. West Indies under-19 opener Trevon Griffith hit 25, which saw three balls sailing over the ropes.
Barnwell was among the runs again with a cameo 23, which included three sixes and a four while Abilash Deokie made 18. Essequibo Storm’s Jason Heyliger topped the wickets column with 3-34 (4) while national bowler Trevor Benn supported with 2-15 (4).
In reply the team from the Cinderella County were bundled out for 110 from 20 overs with Robert Moore top scoring with an aggressive 42, 30 of those coming in sixes.
Ryan Fredericks tried to bail his team out with a patient 39 (2×4, 1×6) as Jacobs, bowling his off breaks, returned figures of 4-16 from his four overs.
The semi-finals will be played at the Guyana National Stadium on July 9 while the finals will be held the following day.
