[The summarized scores were as follows: Gros Islet: 337 all out – Jard Goodman 114 (138), Simeon Gerson 54 (65); Daniel Jn Baptiste 6/44 (14.4 overs). South Castries: 209 all out – Kensley Paul 45 (118); Isaiah Jones 3/24 (4.2), Royce Paul 3/51 (11)].
Jard Goodman hit a century, leading Gros Islet to a commanding victory over South Castries and clinching the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Premier League Two-Day Tournament title.
Goodman’s impressive performance in the tournament included 114 runs in the final which contributed to a decisive 128-run first-innings win at the Gros Islet Playing Field this weekend. This achievement boosted Goodman’s total to 403 runs in just four matches of the tournament.
The twenty-five-year-old opening batter stood out with 15 fours and five sixes, marking his third century of the series. After a shaky start with the loss of two early wickets, Goodman formed a crucial 58-run partnership with West Indies Under-19 standout Tarrique Edward (23), stabilizing the innings.
He further accelerated the scoring with Dominic Auguste (37), propelling the team to 186 for 4 by the 45th over. In the latter part of the innings, Royce Paul and Simeon Gerson kept the momentum going. Paul contributed 40 off 54 balls, while Gerson remained unbeaten with 54 off 65, helping Gros Islet reach a formidable total of 337 all out in 72.4 overs.
Daniel Jn Baptiste was the standout bowler for South Castries, claiming six wickets, and Kester Charlemagne, Aaron Joseph, Joshua Mann, and Stewart Caldron each secured a wicket.
In response, South Castries collapsed for 209 runs in 45.2 overs as Gros Islet’s formidable bowling attack proved too much to handle. South Castries crumbled early, struggling at 37 for 3 in just 11.2 overs after Tonius Simon was dismissed by Darvin Forde for 26.
Kensley Paul (45) attempted to rebuild, forming a 43-run partnership with Kester Charlemagne (24), but it wasn’t enough. A double strike from Royce Paul removed both Charlemagne and Jaylan Chandler (0), leaving South Castries in further disarray at 70 for 4.
Additional contributions from Collinus Callendar (14) and Joshua Mann (19) fell short. Paul formed a brief 54-run partnership with Stewart Caldron (33), and Daniel Jn Baptiste could only manage 12 runs.
Isaiah Jones was exceptional with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for just 24 runs in 4.2 overs, while Royce Paul also shone with figures of 3 for 51 over 11 overs. Darvin Forde added to the attack with 2 for 24 from six overs, and Tarrique Edward and Tyrel Chicot chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the revitalized domestic red-ball competition for the 2024-2025 Premier League launched in September with intense competition.
Gros Islet emerged as the undefeated champions, showcasing their dominance by posting the tournament’s highest total of 600 for 7 declared against Desruisseaux, further establishing their batting prowess.