WINDWARD Islands batter and former Windies Under-19 captain Kimani Melius displayed his form, scoring an impressive 97 runs off 48 balls (7 fours and 9 sixes) to lead the SAIL Gros Islet Knights to a 26-run victory over the Babonneau Leatherbacks in the ongoing Saint Lucia Premier League T20.
The match took place at the Gros Islet Mini Stadium on Wednesday evening. Enthusiastic fans gathered at the northern venue to enjoy another thrilling matchup in this season’s SPL competition.
The Gros Islet Knights set a formidable target, posting 177 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, with Melius’s knock being the highlight of the innings. Dominic Auguste contributed 15 runs off 12 balls, and Tyrel Chicot added 14 runs off 9 balls.
Sacchin Cepal was the standout for the Leatherbacks, taking 3 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs, while Johnell Eugene claimed 2 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs.
In response, the Leatherbacks struggled to chase down the target. Lower-order batter Sacchin Cepal was the top scorer for his team, with 37 runs off just 13 balls (including 4 fours and 2 sixes). Johnell Eugene chipped in with 27 runs off 28 balls (4 fours and 1 six).
The Leatherbacks’ batting lineup faltered against a strong bowling attack from the Knights, which featured Royce Paul, who took 2 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs, T Chicot with 2 wickets for 36 runs in 4 overs, and Tarrique Edward with 2 wickets for 45 runs in 4 overs.
Meanwhile, a enthusiastic crowd filled Mindoo Phillip Park for the spectacular opening of the inaugural semi-professional format of the Saint Lucia Premier League T20. The SPL, which began as an exciting cricket league, has now evolved into an enhanced semi-professional league in its fifth season to ensure that players receive compensation for their participation in this tournament.
On a brilliantly illuminated field, the Ackelles City Blasters defeated the MCCU Mon Repos Pioneers by 38 runs in an electrifying match that embodied the league’s motto: Show Dem How To Party.
Stephen Naitram led the charge for the Blasters, scoring 82 runs off just 36 balls, helping the team reach a formidable total of 230-8. Jamal James added 26 runs, followed by Stephen Abraham with 32, and Dornan Edward chipped in with a quick 20.
For the Pioneers, Shadrack Descarte was a standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 40 runs. In reply, the Pioneers struggled, losing their first wicket early.
Descarte shone with the bat, scoring 57 off 20 balls, but the team ultimately fell short, finishing at 192. Edward Emmanuel contributed 33 runs and Gian Benjamin added 29, but wickets fell too quickly.
Dornan Edward took 3 wickets for 40 runs, supported by solid spells from Tyler Sookwa and Kymani Sexius.
Despite the loss, Descarte was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
The tournament continued this week at the renovated Gros Islet Playing Field.
Summarized scores:
April 12:
– CCCU Choiseul Craft Masters: 203/5 (Murgaran Shoulette 73, Alvinaus Simon 70*);
Babonneau Leatherbacks: 167/10.
Craft Masters won by 36 runs.
– SRDF Soufriere Stumpers: 89/10 (Dwight Thomas 47);
SAIL Gros Islet Knights: 92/0 (Noelle Leo 60).