Teddy Nankishore led from the front with 79 out of the Cavaliers 181-7 during the 56 run victory against the Vikings. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

Vishal Bharat makes a diving reaction catch to dismiss Richard Fredericks for just 27 as the Vikings were all out 125 in reply. Photo: Charlie Jackson/ VINO

Big hitting Kevin Walker failed to deliver, scoring just six before being caught by Nankishore to effectively end the run chase. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The Vikings had been unbeaten previously, but not tested until the clash with nemesis team, the Cavaliers and like so many previous encounters, a tape ball competition aside, this one proved all too easy for the Cavaliers.

However, the Vikings contributed to their own downfall both fielding and batting. Almost every Cavaliers batsman was given a life and although only Nankishore went on to punish them for their generosity it all added up to a bad day.

The Cavaliers won the toss and decided to make first use of a dry, slow pitch, but it was the men in green that were soon celebrating with the early demise of Keith Semple for just 5. He was deceived into a lofted drive but one that held up slightly off the pitch to give a catch to mid off. Dorian Auguiste was dropped but fell soon after for 3 and then after a couple of lusty blows Vishal Bharat departed for 12.

Any thoughts of a famous victory were soon quashed though with Nankishore controlling the innings with an impressive 79 including 7 fours and 3 sixes. He finally found some support from Aaron Baker who scored 29 with 4 fours and 2 sixes to boost the innings. Vijay Jhappan added some late pyrotechnics and the final score of 181 was always going to test the fragile Vikings batting.

“Very pleased with my batting,” commented Nankishore. ”The coach always tells us that one of us must see it through, I guess today was my day.”

Paul Bridglal finished with 4 for 37 from his four over spell and Bashirudin was perhaps the pick of the bowlers picking up 2 for 19.

“Ideally I would have liked 10 or 20 more, but the score was defendable, after we removed the openers I grew more confident that we would win,” stated Nankishore.

Govin Singh and Richard Fredericks in fact set about the task of chasing down the target and put on 40 for the first wicket with ease. However, once both had fallen to rash aerial shots the rest of the innings collapsed.

Singh reached 18 before holing out to Jagnarine Persaud at mid off and just when it needed a cool head Fredericks chipped one way up into the sky to be caught by a diving Bharat, who reacted brilliantly to Bakers deflected attempt at a catch off the bowling of Persaud.

Lilchand Mangal tried his best to keep the innings going but was bamboozled by Roshan Husman’s off the wrong foot bowling to be trapped LBW for 14. Pyroo added 26, but no other batsman reaching double figures was testament to the tight bowling of Persaud, Semple, Jhappan and Shane Sinclair who mopped up the tail with figures of 3 for 18 from 4.

Both teams qualified for the semi finals, but with the likes of Vincy, VG and possibly Jamaica likely opponents the Vikings especially will have to rethink their tactics and how they go about their batting plans
“We gave too many extras when bowling, I did think we could have chased the total though,” said Vaden Walker, “we needed one of them to go right through the innings!”

Walker is easing himself back to fitness and hopes to be ready to open the bowling for the semi final. “We also might have to reshuffle the batting order depending on the situation. All the teams in the semis will be tough, but hopefully we will get back to basics and play good cricket.”