BABONNEAU secured this season’s Prime Minister’s Independence T20 Cup Championship title, defeating Castries Central in a thrilling finals encounter at the Mindoo Phillip Park last Sunday.
Notable supporters, including PM Philip J Pierre, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir, and MP for Babonneau Dr Virginia Albert-Poyoitte, rallied behind the teams in front of a lively crowd.
The excitement around this format of the game has captured the attention of sports fans, prompting the government, as reiterated by PM Pierre and Sports Minister Casimir, to pursue the establishment of a Semi-Professional Cricket League on the island, like the successful Semi-Professional Football League [SPFL] launched last year.
On Sunday, after winning the toss, Babonneau confidently chose to field. Castries Central’s openers, Stephen Naitram (30 off 16 with 4×4, 2×6) and Theo Edward (30 off 15 with 5×4, 1×6), provided a strong start, taking the score to 76 in just five overs. However, Babonneau quickly retaliated, taking three swift wickets, which included the dismissals of Edward, Naitram, and Jamaal James.
Despite this setback, Jaden Elibox delivered a powerful performance with an aggressive knock of 40 off 18 deliveries (2×4, 4×6), alongside Stephen Abraham’s contribution of 25 off 23 balls (3×4), allowing Castries Central to post a competitive total of 183 all out in 20 overs.
Sanjay Hayle displayed his bowling prowess, claiming 5 wickets for 41 runs, effectively dismantling CC’s lower-order batters.
In their chase, Babonneau demonstrated resilience, with in-form batter Dane Edwards overcoming an early scare to score 34 off 15 balls (2×4, 4×6). His opening partner, Alex Joseph, also delivered a commendable performance with 50 off 34 balls (4×4, 3×6). Together, they established a solid foundation, racing to 52 runs in just four overs.
Castries Central fought hard and claimed both openers, as they managed to reduce Babonneau to 93 for 4 in 7.5 overs. Yet, former Windward Islands player Larry Edward proved critical, contributing 31 off 27 balls (3×4, 1×6) and leveraging his experience to forge essential partnerships with the lower order.
Babonneau finished the chase at 184 for 7, clinching victory with just one ball to spare in a nail-biting finish.
Head coach Jervaughn Charles was overjoyed with this victory and expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “These are young men eager to be match-winners, and they rose to the occasion against one of the strongest teams.”
He emphasized that the players continuously seek improvement, exemplifying the team’s ethos of collective responsibility. “We do not rely on one or two players; every individual has a vital role in our success.”
At the post-match presentations, the following players were given awards :
– Sabinus Emmanuel – Tournament MVP, scoring the most runs in the competition with 335 runs, including three consecutive centuries.
– Dornan Edward – Most Wickets Award, achieving a total of 12 dismissals.
With sports authorities unveiling upcoming developments, analysts and fans are eagerly anticipating the launch of the Saint Lucia Premier League T20, set to display the island’s most talented players in a semi-professional cricket circuit.