Evenwood CC
YOUNG West Indies professional Joshua James has made a stunning start to his tenure at the Randolph Social Welfare ground.
The 20-year-old batting all-rounder scored a blistering 150 off 115 balls to help Evenwood to an 88 run win against Hunwick and followed that up with 131 on Whit bank holiday Monday in a 214 run rout of Murton, sharing a huge stand with opener Thomas Teesdale, who made an unbeaten 113.
James was in the runs again on Saturday when Evenwood defeated Durham and North East Cricket League division two leaders Seaham Harbour by four wickets.
Having restricted Seaham Harbour to 153, the hard hitting right hander walloped 93 from 83 balls before he was bowled. The win helped Evenwood up to fourth in the table, 40 points behind Seaham Harbour, who still lead the division, but with a game in hand.
Due to the poor weather at the start of the season, it had been a frustrating start for both James and Evenwood, who are eager to make the most of his spell with the club before he returns as an emerging player for the Jamaica Tawallahs in the Caribbean Premier League T20 competition.
Joshua said he was settling in to life and English cricketing conditions well.
He said the pitches offered a bit more pace and bounce than he was used to at home and the ball swung more.
James hails from the small island of Tobago and became the first Tobagonian to play for the West Indies side in the U19 World Cup in 2019, taking five wickets at 32 apiece and scoring 83 runs at and average of 41.5 in six innings.
His selection for the Jamaican Tawallahs, who have won the CPL in 2013 and 2016, also earned the praise of Trinidad and Tobago sports minister Shamfa Cudjoe.
Having made his mark in the one day format, he said he was keen to progress in all forms of the game.
Evenwood CC secretary Luke Bannister said James had come to the club’s attention during the U19 World Cup.
“We have known coach Steve Chapman for years and he was coaching with the West Indies at the U19 World Cup and had seen a few of the lads.
“We decided to take a chance on Joshua,” he said.
Evenwood are back in action this Saturday at home to Peterlee (1.30pm).
