LEEWARD ISLANDS MASTERS CRICKET BOWLS OFF IN NEVIS
Masters’ cricketers from across the Leeward islands, gathered at the newly opened 869 conference room,
in Gingerland for a welcoming cocktail and opening ceremony, as they prepare for on the field action on
the cricket pitch today, as the 27 th edition of the Leeward islands Masters cricket tournament bowls off.
The cocktail was graciously hosted by Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley and Mrs. Brantley. The program was ably chaired by Mr. Antonio ABONATY Liburd and the invocation was delivered by Mr.G. Sydney Newton. After the playing of the national anthem, a moment of silence was observed in honour of Masters’ stalwarts who passed away after the hosting of last year’s tournament. From Nevis, those individuals were: Sterling Heyliger, Oneil Walters and Lorna Hunkins. Remarks were delivered by LIMCA president, Anthony Rawlins; Sports Minister, Hon. Troy Liburd and Premier Mark Brantley.
Representatives from the teams present, also gave brief remarks and gave their biased predictions of the winner for the upcoming tournament. The vote of thanks was given by Curtis Morton, LIMCA PRO The evening concluded with much intermingling, food, drink and music provided by
SEMIFINALS SET AFTER ROUND FIVE AT HARDTIMES
The final round of the Trevier Smithen incollaboration with A-1 Farms Nevis 7-A-Side Hit and Run tape ball cricket got underway at the Hardtimes Playoff at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026. True to
the tournament’s standard, patrons were treated to four exciting encounters, with teams vying to either secure qualification to the semifinals or solidify their standings in the table. With much to play for, the afternoon delivered high-octane, edge of the seat competitive cricket. Match 1: Villa United vs. 6J’s Car Rental River Path Aristocrats Villa Unite to Tame Aristocrats The first match of Round 5 saw the unbeaten, in- form Villa United take on the Aristocrats, who were riding high after their first victory in the previous game. The Aristocrats won the toss and elected to bowl first on a placid surface, a puzzling choice considering they started the game a player short. Villa United were put on the back foot early, losing the in-form Rakeesh Subramani to Rajesh Ayanh for 0 off the first ball of the second over, but that would be the only taste of success the Aristocrats would have until the final over. Villa talisman Chris Latchman teamed up with Alvin Hardyal in a partnership worth 101 runs. Latchman scored 28,
but he played a secondary role to what was a sublime innings of 78 by Hardyal that stole the show and the coveted Man of the Match title. Hardyal was particularly brutal against Curtis Dore in the jackpot
over, securing 34 runs as the Villa men posted a competitive 139-3 in their 7 overs. Captain Kiah Wilkes was the only other successful bowler for the Aristocrats, claiming the wicket of Latchman in the final over, which also saw Hardyal run out off the last delivery of the innings. In response, the Aristocrats got off to a terrible start, losing the in-form Ayanh for 0 in the first over bowled by Latchman. That set the tone for what became a struggle for the Aristocrats, who limped to 59-5 in 6.4 overs. The Villa United bowling proved extremely miserly and effective. Kenny Persaud snared 1 wicket, but the effort revolved around the wily veteran Subramani, who ended with figures of 3-24 in 1.4 overs, including 2 wickets in the jackpot over, sealing the fate of the Aristocrats in devastating fashion. Curtis Dore was the only Aristocrats batsman to reach double figures, finishing on 14 not out. Official Result: Villa United beat 6J’s Car Rental River Path Aristocrats by 80 runs.
