Three teams?will battle for the two remaining quarter-final places in Zone A of the Sagicor General Twenty20 cricket competition in the final round of matches on September 22.
YMPC defeated Guardian General Barbados Youth by 16 runs yesterday in the penultimate series to push themselves into joint third place but would need to defeat fifth-placed Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme (BDFSP) in their final game to be assured of a place in the knockout stage.
Republic Bank St Catherine secured their spot in the next phase with a narrow victory by nine runs over BDFSP yesterday, moving to 20 points and into second position behind unbeaten runaway leaders Sagicor UWI, who host Ince Transport MTW in the final series.
Batting first after winning the toss, YMPC captain Shane Dowrich, with a knock of 55 (44 balls, 2 threes, 5 fours), inspired the home side to 135 for eight to which the Barbados Youth replied with 119 all out from 18 overs.
All-rounder Jofra Archer sustained his impressive form to be the leading player for the youngsters, who spurned the opportunity to secure a berth in the last eight and will also need to win against lowly BRC BCL in their final match.
After grabbing three wickets for 25, Archer contributed a fighting 32 before being the last batsman dismissed with still two overs available.
In other matches, Banks Wildey took advantage of a youthful Carlton team to register only their second win, while Ince Transport MTW made light work of last-placed BRC BCL.
Defending a meagre 105 made off 18.4 overs, Banks restricted Carlton to 95 for nine with captain Shadd Simmons leading the way with a knock of 19 and figures of three for 24.
Leg-spinner Junior Holder (two for 17) and 18 not out also enjoyed a satisfactory all-round performance to help MTW romp home by five wickets with nearly five overs to spare.
Omari Francis stroked 52 (67 balls, 2 fours) in a losing cause for BCL, who along with Carlton, MTW and Banks Wildey are out of the running for a spot in the quarter-finals.
All seven preliminary rounds in Zone B have been completed, with ICBL Empire, CGI?Maple, LIME and Super Centre Spartan advancing to the quarter-finals, which are slated for neutral venues on October 5 and 6. (WH)
Standings
(after Series 8)
ZONE?A (Matches played in brackets): UWI 28 (7), St Catherine 20 (7), Barbados Youth 16 (7), YMPC?16 (7), BDFSP 14 (7), Carlton 12 (8), MTW 10 (7), Banks Wildey 8 (7), BCL 4 (7).
Series 9 – September 22: Banks Wildey vs St Catherine at SJPP; YMPC vs BDFSP at?Beckles Road; Barbados Youth vs BCL at?Cane Garden; UWI vs MTW at 3Ws Oval; Bye: Carlton.
