All-round performances by Kirk McKenzie and Andrew Thompson helped Portsmouth Cricket Club to defeat defending champions Hamilton Gardens by 74 runs in the opening round of the 2014 Milo/Portmore Cricket Association (PCA) Under-17 Challenge Cup Championship at Bridgeport.

Scores: Portsmouth CC 174-9 (35 overs); Hamilton Gardens 100-all out (30.2 overs).

Winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow, flat pitch, Thompson led the way with a top-score of 49 for Portsmouth. He struck five fours and two sixes off 43 deliveries and also shared in a 57-run, third-wicket partnership with Shavar Christie, who made 38 (61 balls) that contained only two boundaries.

Man-of-the-Match McKenzie then added 22 (16 balls), that included five fours, and Roberto Brooks chipped in with 23 (17 balls), which contained two fours and a huge six that made sure their team posted a reasonable total.

Jordan Clarke (7-0-36-4) and Ramero Buddo (2-0-7-3) were Hamilton Gardens’ best bowlers.

In reply, McKenzie then took four wickets as the defending champions were bowled out for 100, well within 31 overs. McKenzie removed Buddo (two) before Vauyani Bailey removed Clarke (seven) and Brooks counted for Joel Ewan (seven) to leave Hamilton Gardens struggling at 40-3.

Efforts from Yash Amin 19 (39 balls), Romaine Roach 17(23 balls) and Shemmar Roswell 11(26 balls) weren’t enough as McKenzie ripped through Hamilton Gardens’ middle batting order to set up a convincing victory.

McKenzie finished with 4-8 and got support form Bailey, who took 2-13 for Portsmouth.