ICBL’S 45TH Anniversary celebrations continued last Friday with a friendly cricket T20 night match between the ICBL Perry Gap Warriors and a formidable team from the Republic Bank at Weymouth cricket grounds on Roebuck Street.

Against the lively atmospheric backdrop of bright lights, DJ music, brightly coloured dancing girls, cheerleaders, noise makers, and vibrant supporters for both sides, the stage was set for an exciting evening.

When the dust settled, the ICBL Warriors were in the winning circle. The coin toss, conducted by the CEO of ICBL, Goulbourne Alleyne, and the Republic Bank CEO, Anthony Clerk, was won by ICBL. Captain Davien Branker opted to have the Republic Bank team bat first. 

Republic Bank opener Hayden Haynes top-scored for his side with 22 runs, which included 4 fours. Haynes and fellow opening batsman Jason Depeiza gave a solid opening partnership of 52. The team would make 141 for 9 wickets in their 20 allotted overs, of which 68 were extras. On the ICBL bowling side, Captain Davien Branker took the most wickets with 3 for 12 twelve runs. Christopher Cox, Corey Wilson, and Naje Forde each got 2 wickets.

ICBL Warriors, needing 142 to win, opened their innings with Rico Smith and Naje Forde. They found themselves in early trouble when Forde was out LBW for 0, with the score at only 6 runs. A second wicket fell quickly after, with the score at 10 runs for 2 wickets. However, an impressive 53-run partnership between Naje Forde and Jadan Bradshaw put the ICBL team on a winning trajectory. Forde would top score with 32 runs, which included two 4s and three 6s. After losing four more wickets, which included two run-outs, Corey Wilson and Christopher Cox, would each score 19 runs not out and take the ICBL Warriors to victory with 144 for 6. Corey Wilson hit the winning ball for 4 runs to end it all.

CEO Goulbourne Alleyne supported the team from the sidelines for the entire match and said: “I am extremely proud of this team. Although it was a friendly game, they took the event seriously, as did the Republic Bank team. Their dedication to cricket practice day after day paid off, and I extend my heartiest congratulations to them. I also wish to commend the Republic Bank Team for putting up a good fight and thank CEO Anthony Clerk for agreeing to this collaboration and bringing these two most compatible brands together for a wonderful evening of cricket and fellowship.”

ICBL Captain and coach Davien Branker was adjudicated Man of the Match.