Over 150 players turned out for the recent SBF Petroleum/ Cricket Guy Inc., Jaguars 50-over Franchise League and while some were expected to produce and didn’t and some were not expected to produce but did, here are Stabroek Sports’ five finds of the seven-round competition.
Kevin Sinclair (West Berbice)
West Berbice’s all-rounder Kevin Sinclair made a strong case for national selection throughout the competition. An opening batsman and off-spinner, the former national youth player chalked up 235 runs at an average of 60, the highest among any batsman with three or more innings including two half centuries. Sinclair also took 13 wickets at an economy rate of 3.5 with a best of 5-31 against former champions, Essequibo.
Kemol Savory (Essequibo)
At 23, Essequibo’s Kemol Savory has been knocking on the door of the national selectors for the past three seasons and continued his call by achieving Most Valuable Player of the tournament title. Behind the stumps, the wicket-keeper had 18 dismissals, second only to Jason Sinclair while in front the stumps, he has blasted 336 runs at an average of 48.
Nial Smith (Lower Corentyne)
Young, fast and aggressive are the words to describe Lower Corentyne’s ace seamer Nial Smith. Smith has undoubtedly been the best seamer in the tournament.
He reminded the batsmen of past West Indian bowlers by serving up a barrage of short balls on target and precise fuller deliveries. He captured 16 wickets at an economy rate of 5.5. He also showed he can score useful runs at the bottom of the order with 96 runs under his belt and a best of 39.
Quentin Sampson (Essequibo)
The unsung hero of the Essequibo Franchise is 19-year-old Quentin Sampson. Sampson, a virtual unknown prior to the tournament, took his opportunity with both hands and showed why he is feared in the shorter formats for his big hitting abilities. Sampson is one of four batsmen with over 300 runs in the tournament with an average of 43 batting at number seven.
He took Essequibo out of tough situations on numerous occasions. His usefulness also extended to his bowling where he took crucial wickets when called upon by his captain.
Alex Algoo (Upper Corentyne)
In the absence of senior players in the Upper Corentyne Franchise, National youth player, Alex Algoo, has stepped up to plate and led the team from the front. In his seven innings, Algoo scored four fifties with a total of 252 runs in the season. He also chipped in with the ball, taking a few wickets when needed.
