In a thrilling final of the SLNCA/Sandals Under 19 Tournament held at Mindoo Phillip Park on Sunday, Gros Islet emerged victorious, defeating Central Castries to claim the championship title.
This victory marks Gros Islet’s eighth championship win, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the tournament—they were joint winners with Central Castries last year.
The intense rivalry between the two teams played out in a dramatic final, with both sides showcasing their skills by securing convincing wins in the semi-finals against South Castries and Choiseul, respectively.
Gros Islet maintained their undefeated streak throughout the competition, culminating in this impressive achievement. After winning the toss, Gros Islet’s captain, Johnathan Daniel, opted to send Central Castries in to bat.
Central Castries’ captain, Theo Edward, played a commendable innings, scoring 45 runs with five fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Neil Poyotte.
Aiden Scholar, batting at number three, was the standout performer for Central Castries, scoring 70 runs. However, he received little support from the middle order aside from Tyler Venner, who added 29 runs.
Central Castries ultimately struggled, being bowled out for 183 runs. Kaleb Charles excelled with the ball for Gros Islet, claiming impressive figures of 3 wickets for 26 runs, supported well by Poyotte, who took 3 wickets for 43 runs.
In response, Gros Islet batted with confidence. Opener Daniel Lorde anchored the innings alongside skipper Jonathan Daniel, and they successfully chased down the target in just 27.3 overs. The chase was characterized by timely partnerships rather than individual performances.
Daniel Lorde top-scored with 42 runs, while notable contributions came from Roystan Fannis (19), Jonathan Daniel (27), and Kanil Nelson (22).
Gros Islet reached the required score, ending the innings at 184 for the loss of 5 wickets.
Gros Islet’s head coach, Alton Crafton, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, praising his young players for their hard work and determination throughout the tournament.
In the semi-finals, held at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds on March 1, Gros Islet convincingly defeated South Castries by 90 runs. After being sent in to bat, Gros Islet posted a strong total of 167 runs in 25 overs, while South Castries was restricted to just 77 runs in 24 overs.
In the other semi-final at Mindoo Phillip Park, Central Castries dominated Choiseul, winning by 10 wickets. Choiseul struggled and were bowled out for a mere 70 runs in 14.3 overs, while Central Castries swiftly chased down the target, scoring 75 runs without losing a wicket in just 4.4 overs.
Gros Islet’s championship victory not only adds to their impressive legacy but also highlights the bright future of youth cricket in the region.