The joy of being chosen to represent the state squad has now turned into a test of performance on the pitch, as cricket action for the south-south boys began last Friday.
On Friday, Edo State had a clear victory over Delta State by 35 runs. Saturday’s encounter showed a low-margin defeat was recorded against Akwa Ibom by Edo, the zonal elimination host for South-South.
However, after rounds of two matches in the south-south playoffs, Nigeria’s future cricket stars have started to emerge with record-breaking performances.
In the batting department, Diyyo Harrison of Delta State scored 99 runs to top about 90 batters in the male category.
Ogboe Unity from Edo State scored 86 runs from 2 matches and was followed by Akwa Ibom-born Bright Edem with 79 runs after two matches.
The cricket selectors board and coaches now have new bowlers to watch out for. They include Godstime Ayeprince who took 8 opponents’ wickets in 2 matches, Peter Prosper of Delta State has 7 wickets to his name while Akwa Ibom’s budding star, Fortune Onofiok recorded 5 wickets haul.
The top 3 Fielders are Dominion Joel with 4 dismissals while two Akwa Ibom players shared outstanding performances and personalities. Divinewill Aniedi and Divinewill Thompson both recorded 3 dismissals at press time.
The elimination actions continue on Sunday for both boys and girls at Adolor College and Iyoba College, Benin City, Edo State.
PWC U17 Cricket Championship Boys
FRIDAY
Edo 191/9
Delta 156/10
(Edo won by 35 runs)
Cross River. 61/10
Rivers. 62/4
(Rivers won by 6 wickets)
SATURDAY
Akwa Ibom. 93/10
Edo. 94/9
(Edo won by 1 wicket)
Akwa Ibom 152/10
Delta.
(Akwa Ibom won by 67 runs)
Written by Akanimo Kufre
