Guardian Newspaper, April 28, 2009
Article Published by Shari John

UTT High Performance Cricket Team (HPCT) all-rounder Keon Issacs earned a lifetime supply of bragging rights when he bowled world record holder Brian Lara for 19 in an exhibition 20/20 match commemorating the opening of the new state of the art UTT O’Meara Sporting Facility on Sunday night. Issacs, who never in his wildest dreams saw himself playing against the local batting legend, explained that he was a bit intimidated having to bowl to Lara. “It felt really good to bowl him,” said a still awestruck Issacs after the game.

Initially lined up to captain the UTT HPCT, the former West Indies captain was asked to bat for the opposing UTT Inter-Campus team, captained by WI legend Gordon Greenidge, when they slumped to 48-8 in the 12th over. Apart from Devindra Narinesingh, who top scored with 24, the Inter-Campus team struggled early on against the well drilled UTT HPCT, coached by former West Indies bowler Tony Gray.

It was then up to the former WI greats, who walked out onto the field together, to entertain the small crowd which included His Excellency President George Maxwell Richards and Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Gary Hunt. The pair effortlessly found the boundaries and used soft hands where necessary before Lara departed for a fast paced 19. Greenidge was left unbeaten on 18 as their side finished on 118 all out in the allotted 20 overs.

In reply, the UTT HPCT made light work of their small total, with Issacs top-scoring with a well played 43 including five fours and two sixes. He was ably supported by Alden Daniel who got 30. They eventually got to their target in 16.3 overs with the loss of just four wickets. Earlier in the afternoon, President George Maxwell Richards officially declared the UTT O’Meara Sporting Facility open with the unveiling of a plaque.