Simmons XI escape with Red Force trial win

THE Red Force Simmons XI pulled off a narrow ten-run win over the Red Force Katwaroo XI at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, on Thursday.

Resuming on 46/2 in pursuit of 235 for victory, the Katwaroo XI were dismissed for 224. It was a seesaw battle on the final day as the Katwaroo XI were reduced to 71/5 which left the Simmons XI in control.

Cephas Cooper and Jahron Alfred then combined to put on 97 runs for the sixth-wicket, before Alfred was dismissed for 62 to leave the Katwaroo XI on 168/6. The Simmons XI were on the brink of victory as three more quick wickets left Katwaroo XI on 186/9. Ricky Jaipaul and Shaaron Lewis then showed resistance with a last wicket partnership of 38, before spinner Jon Russ Jaggesar removed Jaipaul for 21 to end the match. Lewis was unbeaten on 17.

Bowling for the Simmons XI, fast bowler Jarlarnie Seales was the chief destroyer with 4/54.

Red Force are preparing for the upcoming West Indies Four-Day Championship.

SUMMARISED SCORES

RED FORCE SIMMONS XI 265 (Isaiah Rajah 75, Marlon Richards 49, Keagan Simmons 45; Yannic Cariah 3/26, Bryan Charles 3/35) and 122 (Isaiah Rajah 38, Kirstan Kallicharan 27; Ricky Jaipaul 6/25) vs RED FORCE KATWAROO XI 153 (Jahron Alfred 46, Ewart Nicholson 28; Jon Russ Jaggesar 3/36, Marlon Richards 3/23, Kavesh Kantasingh 2/29) and 224 (Cephas Cooper 66, Jahron Alfred 62; Jarlarnie Seales 4/54, Kavesh Kantasingh 2/19, Kissoondath Magram 2/44) SIMMONS XI won by ten runs