Francis powers Dredgers to big win in T20 Tap Ball Classic, earns Player of the Week

By Neto Baptiste
West Indies youth cricketer Tanez Francis produced a sensational batting display on Sunday, smashing an unbeaten 126 to lead Dredgers to a 73-run victory over Hanse on Security in the LL Supply Ltd Island Boys Sports Club (IBSC) Tape Ball Classic T20 tournament at Rising Sun.
Francis’ innings, which came from just 53 balls, included four fours and 13 sixes, earning him the Player of the Week accolade.
The match was reduced to 15 overs because of a wet pitch after Hanse on Security won the toss and opted to field. Dredgers posted an imposing 201 for four, with Francis dominating the scoring and JQuan Athanaze contributing 39.
Hanse on Security, in reply, managed 128 for seven from their 15 overs. Kerry Mentore top-scored with 33, while Kadeem Phillip made 26.
Mike France and Javaughn James claimed two wickets each for Dredgers, with France returning figures of two for 18 from three overs while James took two for 27.
At Powells, Jakes Invincibles defeated PMS by six wickets in another match reduced to 15 overs.
PMS were dismissed for 92 in 14.1 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. Eusi Kingston led the scoring with 18.
Blain Thomas and Zach Thomas claimed three wickets apiece for Jakes Invincibles, with Blain taking three for 18 from 2.1 overs, and Zach three for 23 from three overs.
Jakes Invincibles reached 96 for four in just 8.4 overs, led by Zach Thomas, who scored 50.
At Powells, VIP recorded the biggest victory on the day, defeating TG Welding & Fabrication Underdogs by 115 runs.
VIP, batting first after winning the toss, posted 235 for nine from their 20 overs. Kofi James top-scored with 76, while Elroy Francis Jr made 75. Orandel Boston was the pick of the bowlers for TG with three for 17 from four overs, while Tyree Moore and Hughon Tonge claimed two wickets each.
TG Welding & Fabrication Underdogs were dismissed for 120 in 13.1 overs. Kief Baltimore scored 33, and Tonge added 24. Kadeem Josiah and Ozan Williams took two wickets each for VIP.
In the other match, Grill Box edged Easy Pickings Mix Up by just two runs.
Grill Box scored 140 for nine from 14.2 overs after winning the toss, with Kenrick Scott leading the way with 87. Bryan Bailey claimed four wickets for 44 runs, while Karl Simon took three for 38.
Easy Pickings Mix Up came agonisingly close in reply, reaching 138 all out from 18 overs. Rennick Esprit made 26 and Peter Bellafante 23.
Steve Martin was the outstanding bowler for Grill Box, taking four wickets for just seven runs from two overs, while Gregson Merrick claimed three for 38.