A brilliant century by former Guyana wicket keeper/batsman Vishal Nagamootoo helps Vikings Cricket Club maintain an impressive run in their debut season in the Nassau Cricket League.

The diminutive Nagamootoo slammed a magnificent 112 as Vikings rattled up in impressive 255 while New York Eagles put together a spirited effort replying with 214 to give Vikings its 6th win in 7 games of the season.

Vikings decision of batting first after winning the toss soon backfired losing Mark A. Gomes LBW to Ryan Khan for 1 and the inform Mahendra Kanhai magnificently taken by Mickey Ramdeo at backward square off Neil Khan for a duck. The experienced Nagamootoo joined Mark Gomes and batted with resolute and confidence, showing the class act he is, someone who have played some 61 first class matches in his career.

The little right hander smashes 9 fours and 2 sixes, one a gigantic hit over extra cover off the hapless H. Khan.

He added 97 for the third wicket with Gomes who was adjudge LBW for 45, 58 for the sixth wicket with Hemnarain Harrinarain (32) and 43 for 7th wicket with Vijay Bhaskar (20).

Nagamootoo celebrated his century in style hitting medium pacer Naresh Rampersaud for consecutive fours to bring up his second century of the season. Rampersaud however got the last laugh, having Nagamootoo caught at mid-on but not after a masterful inning of 112 as Vikings closed their inning at 255 for 9 in 40 overs.
Rampersaud was the visitor’s best bowler finishing with 4 for 39 off six overs.

With an asking rate of 6.38 runs per over, New York Eagles made a gallant effort to overtake Vikings total but fell short by 41 runs. Captain M. Sammy topped scored with 36, all rounder Rampersaud 32, M. Jagmohan 27 and Hafeez Khan 19 were the main contributors to Eagles total of 214 all out from 37 overs.

Bowling for Vikings, left arm spinner Hemnarine Harrinarine had 4 for 32 from 8 overs while Danny Bahadur supported with 3 for 19.

This weekend, Vikings CC will enjoy a much-needed bye and at the same time join with the rest of America to celebrate its Independence.

Summary Of Other Games
Bay Park, East Rockaway: United Sports marched over Carpet Doctor by 9 wickets.

Carpet Doctor hosting United Sports at Bay Park won the toss and batted first. Glen Lorick, slowly coming into form as the temperature climb, made runs difficult to come by for Carpet Doctor batsmen. C.Williams 40, Mangal 17 and Moran 16 runs was the only batsmen to reached double figures as they crumbled to a season low 105 runs all out. Lorick, a valuable addition to United Sports this season, picked up 4 for 14 from 5 overs while supported by Baichan, Sunil Singh, Sahadeo and Sewdat 1 wicket each. United Sports, wasting no time at the crease, erased their target in 14 overs for the loss of 1 wicket, Gavesh Arjune 47 not out and E. Sahadeo 35 not out steered United to 106 for 1 wicket. C.Williams was the lone wicket taker for Carpet Doctor.

United Sports improved to 6 wins and 1 loss, while Carpet Doctor, lead by Rudy Narine, record now stands at 4 wins and 3 losses.

Beach 58th Street, Far Rockaway: Punjab Tigers devour Brooklyn Queens United by 6 wickets.

Brooklyn Queens batting first scored 150 all out from 35 overs. Sheldon Samuels, batting at number 6, steadied BQ innings with a well-played 72 not out which included 2 fours and 6 sixes. I.Persad 11, T. Ramkission 17 and S.Tarsoo 13 were other batsman to reached double figures. Monty with 4 for 25 was the pick of Punjab’s bowlers. Singh, Depu, Sunny and Lucky picked up 1 wicket each. Punjab Tigers in reply, reached 152 for 4 from 28 overs. Tiger Binder toped scored with 48 (4x4 and 3x6) Bagga 30, Lucky and Sunny 20 and 18 not out respectively. I.Persad grabbed 3 of the 4 wickets to fall; he finished with figures of 6-0-30-3, while G.Singh captured 1 wicket.

In others matches played, Hempstead defeated West Demerara. Rockaway CC took care of New York Lions while Victory CC and International Sports did not play because of inter league baseball at Shea Stadium.

This weekend, New York Eagles will take on Brooklyn Queens United at Bay Park while the rest of the league enjoys the holiday weekend. Have a safe and pleasant holiday weekend.