Wokha, December 21 (MExN): LCYO defeated ABC by 102 runs while Royal Strikers overcame Mavericks CC by 12 runs to enter the second round of the 21st edition of Winter Cricket Challenge, played at Local Ground, Wokha. In the first match, LCYO set up a mammoth target of 190 runs. Put into bat after losing the toss, Renjanthung Tungoe led the run scoring with a century (107 runs) and was assisted by Ebithung (20) and Rhonbemo who remained unbeaten on 19 runs. Renjathung who was adjudged Man of the Match is the third batsmen in the history of Winter Cricket Challenge to have scored a century. Chasing the target the Athlete Brothers Club batsmen were bowled out in the 20th over of the match for a paltry 88 runs – short by 102 runs. Nongothung and Tumchobemo with 23 runs apiece were the only batsmen to offer some resistance to the LCYO bowlers. Renjanthung, Yingathung and Zarenthung claim 2 wickets a piece. In the second match, Royal Strikers winning the toss, elected to bat first and scored a modest 137/8 with contributions from Roshan – 33 runs, Himari – 30 and Vicky – 25. Nchumbemo was the pick of the Mavericks bowlers with 3 wickets while Thungjamo scalped one. In the run chase, Elithung (40 runs) and Mhonbemo (33) brought victory in sight for Mavericks. In the end though, Mavericks, who were finalist last year, fell short by 12 runs. Imtiwati grabbed 4 wickets for Strikers. Vicky who also bowled a tidy over while bowling was adjudged the Man of the Match.
