Defending champs off and running in Dream XI Jamaica T10

The Surrey Royals virtually picked up where they left off from last year’s tournament as they secured a comprehensive nine-wicket win over the Cornwall Warriors when they started the defence of the Dream XI Jamaica T10 title yesterday.

In the second game of a doubleheader at Sabina Park, the Javelle Glenn-led Royals were in a no-nonsense mood as they snapped up wickets at will after asking the Warriors to take the first strike. They restricted them to 52 for eight and then eased to 53 for one in just five overs.

It took national fast bowler Nicholson Gordon just three balls to get the breakthrough as he rattled the stumps of opener Omari Wright for a duck with no run on the board.

A couple of boundaries by opener Devaro Smith got the rural team to 18 before left-arm seamer Khari Campbell picked up two wickets in the third over.

Those wickets knocked the stuffing out of the Warriors who had little fight in them left and in the end, they limped to 52 for eight in an innings that had just four fours and one six. That lone six came from Smith who top-scored with 23 from 22 balls, including two fours.

Campbell finished with three for five while National spinner Peat Salmon bagged two for nine.

In reply, National opener Leroy Lugg looked as if he had another engagement to attend as he swiftly took 19 runs off the opening over bowled by captain Andrew Walker.

Lugg and Chevon Simpson took the score to 38 in 3.3 overs, before Lugg was bowled by Andre Blake for 34, which included two fours and four sixes in 17 balls.

That would be the only respite for the Warriors as Simpson hit two sixes in his unbeaten knock of 17 to see the Royals over the line in just five overs.

Campbell, who was named man of the match said it was good for the team to get off to a winning start in this fast-paced competition.

“I am elated that we are off the mark with a win. I believe we can do the double this year because we have a good squad and we are doing everything which is right because we are batting, bowling and fielding well.”

Losing captain Andrew Walker lamented the lack of firepower in his team with a number of players unavailable for the opening fixture.

“This wasn’t our best team as we have a better team to come. As you can see we didn’t bat well but rest assured we will be putting ourselves together and we will be scoring more runs.”

In the opening contest of the new season, the Surrey Kings had a five-wicket victory over the Middlesex United Stars.

The Stars was first bowled out for 71 in 9.5 overs with spinner Antwin Stephens bagging three for 13. Kirk McKenzie, Mickayle Riley and Jeavor Royal all scored 13 in the King’s reply of 74 for five in 7.3 overs.