Sail Gros Islet Knights decisively claimed their first Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 championship title, demonstrating their dominance over the SSCA South Castries Lions at the Gros Islet Mini Stadium on Sunday.
The Knights set an imposing total of 247/5, and then swiftly dismantled the SC Lions for a mere 137 runs, resulting in an emphatic victory by 110 runs.
From the outset, the Knights’ top order batters displayed fierce determination, establishing an aggressive batting display that energized the packed crowd of home fans.
Chard Goodman and Noelle Leo put forth a strong opening partnership of 81 runs in just 8.3 overs before Leo 42 (34b, 6×4, 2×6) fell to a well-executed catch at the boundary.
Goodman, alongside skipper Kimani Melius, produced quick half-centuries in a spectacular show of stroke play, amassing 107 runs off just 42 balls. Melius electrified the crowd with 4 sixes, including three consecutive maximums in a single over, while Goodman kept pace with an array of boundaries.
Melius’s innings concluded at 63 runs off 24 balls, with 5×4 and 6×6, and Goodman went on to score a commendable 95 off 44 balls with 10×4,7×6 before falling in the 16th over with the score at 188/2. The Knights completed their innings forcefully with a six off the final ball, finishing at 247/5.
For the SC Lions, skipper Chester Charlemagne and Xavier Gabriel emerged as the leading bowlers, claiming 2/44 and 2/45, respectively.
In response, the SC Lions faced a horrendous start, losing two wickets in the first over, bowled by seamer Tyrel Chicot, indicating a challenging chase ahead. Although Xavier Gabriel briefly fought back, scoring 13 runs after one over, further misfortunes struck as the Lions lost a third wicket shortly thereafter, collapsing to 48/3 by the sixth over.
Charlemagne tackled the challenging situation with a commendable 49 runs off 35 balls (5×4, 3×6), forging a critical third-wicket partnership of 69 runs with Gabriel, but once he was dismissed with the score at 80/4, the innings unraveled.
Gabriel managed to contribute 46 runs off 25 balls (4×4, 4×6) but was dismissed due to an over-ambitious attempt at acceleration, leaving the Lions at 108/5 in the 12th over. The eventual total crumbled to 137 all out in just 17.2 overs.
Leading the Knights’ bowling attack, Chicot secured 3 wickets for 28 runs. Royce Paul and Davin Forde also made significant contributions, each taking two wickets, while Tarrique Edward and Lee John chipped in with one wicket apiece.
In the post-match interview with Voice Sports, GI Knights head coach Alton Crafton praised his young team’s stellar performance, stating, “I am incredibly proud of my young squad for clinching the championship title for the first time.”
He highlighted his team’s robust batting lineup, emphasizing, “We boast a strong batting order that extends to #11, and we consistently aim for high scores throughout the tournament.”
Crafton expressed gratitude for the government’s financial support, recognizing the tangible benefits for the players, allowing them to invest in gear, and acknowledged the community’s enthusiasm, contributing to the sport’s vitality.
SPL CEO Hassan Euristee, driven and innovative, celebrated the successful event atmosphere, asserting, “The SPL always brings a festive spirit, and this year we incorporated an added level of professionalism into the competition.”
He acknowledged the tremendous fan support from across the island and the contributions from the government, the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), and corporate sponsors, reinforcing the community aspect of the tournament.
Looking ahead, Euristee confidently stated, “Since its inception in 2017, the SPL has maintained a lead as a semi-professional league. With increased funding and player compensation, we are committed to enhancing and elevating this contest.”