Primary Schools Cricket
June 17th 2008

Palo Seco cruise to Atlantic girls cricket title

Palo Seco Government Primary School cruised to an overwhelming ten-wicket victory over Talparo RC to capture the Inter-School Girls Division championship title of the 2008 Atlantic LNG National Primary Schools Cricket League at Guaracara Park on Friday.

After bowling Taparo for 115 for seven off their 20 overs, Palo Seco cantered to victory with opening pair, Alida Seales, 48, and Denecia Garrick, 33, scoring at will, as they reached their target of 116 with 8.4 overs to spare.

Seales, who had earlier taken two for 32, was chosen Player-of-the-Match.

The girls final was the first match of a double-header which saw St Pius Boys RC take the Super League championship crown with a nine-wicket victory over Rochard Douglas Presbyterian under lights.

Batting first, Talparo put up some useful partnerships, with only three players making double figures, Reniece Boyce, 17, Amanda Chung, 14 not out, and Adina Ali, 12. But they were helped to their total by a whopping 54 extras, made up of 52 wides and two no balls.

Apart from Seales, Karen Balfour (3 for 20) and Garrick (1 for 17), did the damage for Palo Seco.

Seales and Garrick, who ran splendidly between the wickets to turn singles into twos and twos into threes, were never in any trouble, playing the Taparo bowling with ease. Both players had scored heavily throughout the season and carried their good form into the final.

Coach/teacher of Palo Seco Government, Anand Ramnanansingh, said the team had put in a lot of practice during the competition, noting that the school enjoyed an excellent sporting record, not only in cricket but in other sports.

“They practised very hard and are very committed. This is the icing on the cake,” said Ramnanansingh.

Palo Seco’s Principal, Gangadaye Dowlath, said that a lot of emphasis was put on sports at her school to ensure the students received a holistic development in their formative years. She said the victory meant a lot to the school since it would spur others to perform at their best.

Talparo’s coach Ingrid Park said her team tried their best but were up against a very good Palo Seco squad. “We are proud of them for reaching so far in the competition,’ she added.

President of the National Primary Schools Cricket League, Anthony Ramjit, praised both teams for an entertaining match, noting that although Palo Seco won easily, the Talparo girls should be proud of themselves for reaching an important final.