PC Control Shannon held their nerve to edge PCU Bourg Mulatresse by five wickets in a nail-biting Group 2 North Zone T20 Festival clash on Thursday at Diego Martin.
Chasing 165 for victory, Shannon got across the line with just one ball to spare, finishing on 170 for 5 after 19.5 overs.
The innings was anchored by a brilliant unbeaten 69 off 44 balls from opener Iqwe Craig, who struck with maturity and power to keep his side in control.
He found valuable support from former Fatima College all-rounder Joshua Davis, who added a breezy 32 from 20 balls, while Renaldo Fournillier’s calm 23 not out from 19 deliveries ensured Shannon sealed the contest in the final over.
For Bourg Mulatresse, Mark Aparicio (2–29), Keron Balbosa (1–30), and Benny Hallal (1–31) tried to keep their side in the hunt, but Shannon’s batting depth proved decisive.
Earlier, Bourg Mulatresse posted a competitive 164 for 6 from their 20 overs.
Kevin Holder top-scored with a fighting 53 not out off 38 balls, well supported by Aparicio (30 off 28) and Aaron Dass (27 off 30).
Their total, however, always looked slightly under par against a strong Shannon lineup.
Shannon’s bowling effort was led by Davis, who followed up his batting cameo with impressive figures of 2 for 19, while Fournillier (2–28) and Roddy Juman (2–33) chipped in to restrict Bourg Mulatresse from pushing past 170.
In the end, Shannon’s composure under pressure proved the difference, as Craig’s match-winning knock earned his side a vital victory in the ongoing festival.
In the tournament opener on Wednesday, defending champions Santa Cruz Sports cruised to a six-wicket win over Barataria Ball Players.
On Friday, last year’s runners-up, Savannah Boys, take on North Side Future Stars in a Group 2 fixture from 6:30 pm at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex.
Summarized scores: Bourg Mulatresse 164 for 6 in 20 overs (Kevin Holder 53*, Mark Aparicio 30, Aaron Dass 27; Joshua Davis 2/19, Renaldo Fournillier 2/28, Roddy Juman 2/33) vs Shannon 170 for 5 (Iqwe Craig 69*, Joshua Davis 32, Renaldo Fournillier 23*; Mark Aparicio 2/29, Keron Balbosa 1/30, Benny Hallal 1/31). Shannon won by 5 wickets
