September 8, 2007: Today history was made on the Ronald Webster’s Park as Anguilla defeated Antigua by 135 runs.

Batting first on the hard and true pitch Anguilla made 213 runs from 82.2 overs. This total almost seemed impossible as Anguilla lost some early wickets but the calm demeanor of Montcin Hodge soon pacified the panic stricken locals. A partnership between Montcin Hodge (86 from 234 balls) and Chaka Hodge (50 from 84 balls) halted Anguilla’s slide down the slippery slope of a low score. When captain Chaka Hodge departed the cagey veteran Terrance Adams (Ta) came to the crease and contributed a well-played 29 runs.

The main bowlers for Antigua were as follows;

As usual Antigua’s bowling was filled with venom as Anguillan batsmen were ducking and weaving their way out of bouncers.

Antigua’s reply commenced like a 100m sprint, as they scorched their way to 50 from 5 overs. Unfortunately the wheels soon fell off as the fiery Kelbert Walters, Daniel Proctor and Delano Mussington ravaged the Antigua batting. The former had batsmen behaving like acrobats, while taking evasive action. As a result Antigua was bowled out for 110 runs, Bowens top scoring with a score of 35 and Thomas's 18runs in addition to Matthew's 12 made valuable contributions to  Antigua's paltry score.

Having a lead of 103 runs and getting first innings, Anguilla attempted to increase the score and seek victory. Once again some early wickets fell, however a captain’s knock of 54 by Chaka Hodge and another stylish half century from Montcin Hodge (63) and a well played 34 by Jahmar Hamilton eased Anguilla to a 354 run lead. This total set the table for a most thrilling final day. Antigua’s bowling still threw flames at the Anguilla batsmen trying either to bowl or batter them out.




Once again Antigua started out fast, as they raced to 50 in about 6 overs. As the score increased, it seemed like history was about to repeat itself. However Daniel Proctor would have none of that as he made the initial break through. Immediately after lunch it seemed like a refreshed Anguilla team revised their plan of attack and honed in on their opponents. So crisp was their fielding that Omari Banks took a catch that could only be described by a picture. The match culminated with Antigua scoring 219 falling some 135 runs short of their target. This gives Anguilla her second victory in three games, with one loss coming in the first match against ST. Martin. Congratulations must be extended to the victorious Anguilla cricket team for their rather impressive victory over the much-heralded Antigua.



For the NAGICO-sponsored one-day match against Antigua at Webster Park on Sunday, Anguilla have included experienced batsman Alex Adams and fast bowler Eversley Browne.

Anguilla has lost in the onde-day competition to both St Maarten and the Combined Virgin Islands while the Antiguans, in their first match of the season, narrowly edged out Montserrat at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium last Sunday.