Govt College Ibadan, 20-20 Cricket Champions

Government College Ibadan Cricket Club (GCICC) retained the Guaranty Trust Assurance 20-20 Shield, beating old foes Ibeju-Lekki Cricket Club by three wickets last weekend at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

GCICC captain Seun Odeku said self confidence earned them victory in a post-match interview with newsmen.

Odeku said the two victories recorded earlier in the year over their opponents served as a morale booster in the match.

“The victories we had in the Super Four League, the Express Discount Ltd.

(EDL) Lagos Knockout Cricket 2010 really encouraged us to put in our best in the match.

“Apart from that, we kept reminding ourselves during the match that we could do it again and that we should not be put under undue pressure,’’ the captain said.

Odeku said he suspected the wrong tactics ILCC adopted cost them the game.

“I think it was the team’s tactics that cost them the match,” the GCICC and national bowling star said.

ILCC and national team batsman, Endurance Ofem, blamed fatigue for the loss.

“We (ILCC) became tired when it mattered the most and it was rather too late to fully come back into the game,” the former GCICC star said.

Ofem expressed optimism that the 2009 and 2010 Iris Smart Technologies-sponsored Club Cricket Committee (CCC) would bounce back.

ILCC scored 75 runs for 10 wickets in 18.3 overs in the first innings with Femi Solebo (ILCC) scoring 32 runs off 46 balls in 59 minutes, making him the batsman of the series.

GCICC Seun Odeku bowled 3.3 overs and conceded 16 runs. He also took two wickets in the first innings.

On return, GCICC scored 76 runs in 16.3 overs for the loss of seven wickets with Segun Olayinka (GCICC) scoring 39 runs off 51 balls in 74 minutes. Sean Phillips (ILCC) bowled four overs and conceded 23 runs.

The South African also caught two wickets during the second innings.