Monty Butler at least justified his selection with a typically robust 43 including 5 fours and 3 sixes in the loss to Antigua. Photo: VINO

The winning margin was a whopping 223 runs, but there were some positives for the local them to take into today’s second match against Montserrat.

Having won the toss and deciding to bat first, Antigua were soon in deep trouble as a fit and energetic BVI team tore into the early batsman to reduce them to 103 for 4 from 23 overs. Earl Prescott on his comeback after impressive spells in the USVI’s 40 over and 20/20 competitions, bowled his first 4 overs for just 12 runs and picked up 2 wickets. Dorian Auguiste also struck early during his impressive spell of 10 overs, 1 wicket and 44 runs.

Antigua though have great strength in depth and with the experience gained from a much more competitive domestic environment, were able to stabilize their innings first through Orlando Peters who scored 45 and then by a partnership of 106 runs between Mali Richards and Rakheem Cornwall. Richards hardly put a foot wrong during his innings of 84.

It was Cornwall though who took the game away from the BVI with his knock of 78, during which the big hitter smashed the ball to all parts of the ground and on three occasions, right out of it. Justin Athanaze then rubbed salt into the wounds adding a quick fire unbeaten 41 as Antigua reached 309 for 7 from their 50 overs.

Richard Fredericks bore the brunt of Cornwall’s aggression. Having been brought into the attack later than he would have liked he started with conceding g just 3 runs from his first over before both batsmen tore into his right arm off spin. His final figures 6 overs 2 for 52.

“I just tried to get the ball in the right areas and stop the scoring. It felt good to get two wickets, but he (Cornwall) hit very clean and hardly made a mistake,” commented Fredericks.

Brent Defreitas congratulates Niel Niles after the fall of the 3rd Antiguan wicket.

Brent Defreitas bowled fast and straight but finished wicket less, bowling his 10 overs for 35. Prescott finished with 2 for 46 from 10, Maxford Pipe also went wicket less conceding 71 from his ten and Neil Niles bowled 7 overs for 35 and one wicket.

The BVI chase of 310 to win was over before it even began with ex Windies player, Gavin Tonge tearing into the top order picking up 5 for 20 from 7 overs. Fredericks, Pipe, Auguiste and Niles were all court in the ring from wicket keeper to 2nd slip and Keelan Robin trapped in front to one that kept low.

For good measure Dennis Ford Brown fell to a rash shot of Athanaze for just 2 and Kwesi Sinclair had a rush of blood having reached 6 and was caught of Larry Joseph.

Daniel Singh then restored a little pride with both reaching double figures. Singh fell for 15, but Monty Butler, selected to the team for his ability to turn a game, then enjoyed his moment in the sun with a hard hitting 43. His innings at least kept Antigua on the field until the 22nd over and he hit 5 fours and 3 sixes.

“Personally we worked hard and knew I would do well. It is disappointing that the frontline batsman didn’t get a start, but I just hit the ball on merit.”

The BVI are still in with a good chance of reaching the semi finals. They play Montserrat today Tuesday October 4, 2011 and then Nevis on Thursday. Montserrat have already lost two games and almost certain to miss the semi finals.