The Asuogyaman Boys U-19 Community Cricket League entered week 7 over the weekend and there were two significant victories at the Akwamuman SHS Park.
In the early hours of Saturday, September 23, 2023, Mangoase Hydro Cricket Club lacked more power to dethrone the Super Kings, as they lost by 8 wickets.
With the promise of giving Abuakwa Super Kings under 50 runs, Mangoase Hydro managed 20 runs, all out in 8.3 overs as the latter won toss. The first wicket fell on the 1.4 over and then by the 5th over, the power house had lost 6 wickets, having just 10 runs. The restriction continued, with great bowling skills from the table leaders, giving away no extras in the first innings.
Bright Ametepe, who eventually emerged Player of the match, took 3 wickets, gave away 3 runs in 1 over, whereas captain Prince Addae also took 3 wickets, gave away 8 runs in 3.3 overs.
Abuakwa needed just 22 runs from 29 balls, with 2 wickets down to win the game and maintain their spot at the top, with 10 points and +2.5 NNR, whereas Mangoase Hydro are 4th with 3 points.
Simon Ossom is the Coach of Abuakwa Super Kings and he says it was an easy game for them.
“It was an easy game. We thought they were going to give us a tough game but due to our preparations we got to know that they were not well prepared, as compared to the other local derbies that we witnessed. Because we thought being a local derby, they will give us a stuffer of tough game but it was very easy, my played according to what they were taught and we won.”
“We even wanted to take them all out in 5 overs, but because they are our brothers, we decided to be lenient with them. We expect a tougher team next season as we were able to beat Tortibo this year and for the first time. We are hoping to defend the title next season” He added.
National U-19 Head Coach, Francis Bakiweyem was at the venue to monitor and also train the players that played the league; a great insight for themselves and for the Ghana Cricket Association’s strategic development and growth.
Here is Coach of Mangoase Hydro, Morrison Klu, shifted the blame to his player attitude.
“Our players disappointed us in a way. I realized their attitude towards the game was not the best. So that is what accounted for the low runs they scored. Even though we have played our last match, we will continue to train and hopefully next season we will make a huge impact.”
It is the first time Abuakwa has won the Zone 1 league, dethroning Tortibo Twinkle Stars, who have always been the zone winners.
Having lost to Abuakwa and knowing they will not win this year, Tortibo Twinkle Stars vent their anger on Senchi Royals in the afternoon match.
Winning toss and electing to bat first, Tortibo scored 139 runs, for 8 wickets in the first innings. The opening batting partnership between Rudolf Akunor (17-16) and Solomon Kwesi (20-23) produced 37 runs before Rudolf who spent 23 minutes was caught from Francis Amezugbe’s delivery in the 6.4 overs.
It took 5 overs more for the Royals to take another wicket, and this time, a clean bowled from the grips of Isaac Baah, who wrapped up, taking 3 wickets, giving away 26 runs in 4 overs.
Senchi of course gave away some extras which cushioned the Twinkle Stars’ scores.
Senchi had a tall mountain to climb in the second innings, a mountain that don’t need all the Royal apparels, including the crown, but they were in their own elements. They however managed 57 runs, for 10 wickets in 12.3 overs, allowing Tortibo Twinkle Stars to cement their 2nd spot with 8 points.
Mustapha Mohammed and Divine Acheampong started and as early as the 5th ball, Mustapha joined his team on bench, spending just 4 minutes with a run from 3 balls. The wickets fell quickly with doubles in the 6th and 7th over.
Joseph Siantey, was a delight to watch in Tortibo’s 82 runs victory against Senchi Royal Batters, as he took 3 wickets, gave away 7 runs in 2.3 overs to be named player of the match.
Coach of Senchi Royals Edem Dotse Agbedegbator, says, they lost due to some new players in the team.
“I am actually playing with a quite new side and that is it why we lost. Most are new to the game and my opponents are also old. Our position is not bad but we will improve next year.”
Winning Coach is Raphael Padi and he tells TalksenseSports, they will bounce back as champions.
“I think they are trying to make up for their little chances to get back into the game. Since they lost the game to Abuakwa, they have been a little bit serious with their training and it has boosted their morale. They thought Abuakwa will lose to Mangoase, to give them more vhim and hope that they can still win it. We will keep training, although the league is over the girls will come to play, so they will be training with them and use it to correct their little mistakes”
One more week and one more match to settle the table for Zone 1.
Bottom side, Pupuni Pacesetters, having lost all 4 matches will come face to face with Senchi Fire Batters, who will need a win to occupy the 3rd spot, leapfrogging their rivals Senchi Royal Batters.
The place to be come Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 9am is the Akwamuman SHS Park. Meanwhile, Zone Two teams are feverishly preparing for their battle at the Asikuma School Park.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
