Rain prevented play for a third consecutive day in the first-round match of the West Indies Four-Day Championship between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Conaree Sports Club in St. Kitts on Saturday.
Cricket West Indies media informed that an inspection was done at 10:30h, but “there were overcast conditions, and should there be no rainfall, day four will start at a time to be confirmed.”
A further inspection was then done at noon, and just over a half later, it was informed that the match had been abandoned, with no result.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sports in St. Kitts and Nevis released a statement rebuffing claims of their negligence leading to the abandonment of the match between Guyana and Trinidad.
SEE STATEMENT FROM MINISTRY OF SPORT IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
‘The Ministry of Sport categorically denies the baseless claims circulating regarding the alleged negligence of the Ministry of Sport’s staff leading to the abandonment of the cricket match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Conaree Cricket Center
The Ministry of Sport is committed to ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of sporting events, and any insinuations of negligence on our part are entirely unfounded. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to provide a conducive environment for athletes and teams, prioritizing the safety and integrity of the game.
The St. Kitts Cricket Association (SKCA) is currently hosting the 2024 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Cricket Championships supported by the Ministry of Sport. These matches are being held at Warner Park Cricket Stadium and the Conaree Cricket Center.
The four-days of cricket matches feature regional franchises, namely Guyana Harpy Eagles, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, West Indies Academy and host Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
Round one of this prestigious competition commenced on Wednesday 7th, February 2024, with Leeward Island Hurricanes versus West Indies Academy at Warner Park and Guyana Harpy Eagles versus Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Conaree Cricket Center.
Both matches commenced without any challenges.
Prior to the start of play of the two matches, the SKCA, match officials, teams and grounds’ staff were aware of the approaching rain system that was anticipated to last up to 24 hours. It was advised that the batting surfaces and bowlers’ run-ups, at both venues, be secured to prevent any seepage. Both fields were covered adequately.
On Thursday 8th, ground staff arrived at 6 a.m., to inspect the facilities after considerable overnight rainfall. The staff examined the covered areas and discovered that the Conaree Cricket Center covers were compromised.
This resulted in the two (2) adjacent pitches next to the playing strip getting wet. After consultations with representatives of CWI and SKCA, the Ministry of Sport provided additional covers to the SKCA to completely cover the pitch and to prevent any further leaking.
Upon the arrival of the grounds’ staff on Friday morning (February 9th), animal footprints were seen in several areas of the playing surface and this exacerbated the seepage situation and further compromised the pitch and run-up area.
After an investigation by the Ministry’s team, it was evident that the locking system at one of the gates was compromised.
The Ministry of Sport swiftly responded to remedy all issues and shall continue to work with the CWI and support the SKCA to ensure that matches continue to meet international standards.
It is regrettable that such speculations have surfaced, potentially causing unwarranted concern among the cricketing community and the public.
We urge individuals to refrain from spreading misinformation and to rely on accurate and verified sources for information.
The Ministry of Sport remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and facilitating sports events, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere for athletes and fans alike. We appreciate the ongoing support of the sporting community and trust that the truth will prevail in this matter.”
ROUND-UP OF MATCHES
West Indies Academy defeated Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the other match in St. Kitts by five wickets.
Over in Jamaica, Windward Islands Volcanoes defeated the Jamaica Scorpions by nine wickets, and Barbados Pride topped the Combined Campuses and Colleges by nine wickets.
See summarised scores below:
At Conaree: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 215-4 from 81.2 overs (Jason Mohammed 100*, Tion Webster 50; Ronsford Beaton 2-39, Veerasammy Permaul 2-40) vs Guyana Harpy Eagles. Match Abandoned.
At Basseterre: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 137 all out from 54.2 overs (Jeremiah Louis 45, Terance Warde 28; Joshua James 3-11, Ashmead Nedd 2-3, Johann Layne 2-18, Nyeem Young 2-52) and 232 from 87.4 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 70, Mikyle Louis 55, Kofi James 35; Joshua Bishop 3-22, Layne 3-45, Young 2-48, Nedd 2-66) vs West Indies Academy 177 all out from 47.2 overs (Bishop 48, Mbeki Joseph 42; Louis 5-29, Javier Spencer 3-43) and 195-5 from 33.4 overs (Kadeem Alleyne 57, Joseph 43*, James 41*; Louis 3-41). West Indies Academy won by five wickets
At Spanish Town: Combined Campuses and Colleges 185 all out from 78.3 overs (Jonathan Carter 59, Shaqkere Parris 44; Jomel Warrican 4-29, Chaim Holder 3-71) and 193 all out from 66.5 over (Shamarh Brooks 72. Demario Richards 44; Chaim Holder 5-69, Warrican 3-16 ) vs Barbados Pride 344-8 declared from 72.2 overs (Kevin Wickham 139, Jonathan Drakes 84, Shane Dowrich 41; Romario Greaves 2-54, Jediah Blades 2-64, Zishan Motara 2-68) and 35-1 from 4.4 overs (Zachary McCaskie 28*). Barbados Pride won by nine wickets.
At Sabina Park: Jamaica Scorpions 159 all out from 41 overs (Romaine Morris 35; Ryan John 5-43, Shamar Springer 3-53) and 234 all out from 73.4 overs (Romaine Morris 68, Nkrumah Bonner 45; Darius Martin 4-85) and Windward Islands Volcanoes 341 all out from 105.2 overs (Johann Jeremiah 80, Shamar Springer 71, Ryan John 57; Gordon Bryan 4-64, Peat Salmon 3-78) and 55-1 from 16 overs (Jeremy Solozano 29*, Johann Jeremiah 22*). Windward Islands Volcanoes won by nine wickets.
