Bolt's XI triumph in Gayle 15/15 Festival

Sanjay Myers

Sunday, October 03, 2010

DESPITE several passing showers of rain, a good-sized crowd of supporters were treated to entertaining cricket, music and frolic in the Chris Gayle 15/15 Pro Cricket Festival at the Port Rhoades Sports Club in Discovery Bay, St Ann yesterday.

Usain Bolt's XI beat Gayle's XI on a faster run-rate in the feature match of the day after light rain made underfoot conditions extremely slippery.

Batting first, Bolt's XI racked up 93-3 off eight overs, thanks to Xavier Marshall's 25 not out, Kieron Pollard's 25 and Dwayne Bravo's 21, while Bolt swatted a six and a four in his 13 before top-edging a simple catch off the bowling of Wavell Hinds.

Chasing 94 for victory, Gayle saw off the bowling of Bolt before spanking 33 in his team's 59-6 off seven overs.

Gayle's demise was brought about by the sprint combination of Yohan Blake and Bolt, when the tall left-hander mistimed a backfoot drive off Blake to Bolt at mid-off.

In the opening game, St Ann defeated St Elizabeth on a faster run-rate. St Ann reached 58-3 off seven overs and two balls in their chase of 75 when the rains came.

Batting first St Elizabeth had made 74-4 off 10 overs.