The stage is set for a highly anticipated championship showdown in the Sandals/SLNCA Under-19 Cricket tournament as longstanding rivals Central Castries and Gros Islet secured commanding victories in their respective semifinal matches. The final will commence at 9:30 AM on Sunday, March 8, at Mindoo Philip Park.
Central Castries earned their place in the final with an emphatic 10-wicket triumph over Choiseul Under-19. Demonstrating exceptional bowling prowess on their home ground, Central Castries dismantled Choiseul’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 70 runs in just 14.3 overs. The bowling attack was spearheaded by Cypriani Norville’s impressive figures of 4 wickets for 20 runs, with substantial support from Tyler Venner (3/32) and Aaron St. Clair (2/4). In response, Central Castries achieved the target in a blistering 4.4 overs without losing a single wicket, fueled by captain Theo Edward’s explosive unbeaten 49 runs featuring five boundaries and four sixes.
Meanwhile, seven-time champions Gros Islet Under-19 showcased their dominance with a comprehensive 90-run victory against South Castries at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. After being sent in to bat, Gros Islet posted a competitive total of 167 runs in their allotted 25 overs, with Kanil Nelson leading the scoring with 32 runs and Neil Poyotte contributing 27. Despite effective bowling from South Castries’ Evan Gilbert (3/29), Uriyah Charlemagne (3/35), and Kayden Philip (2/15), Gros Islet’s total proved insurmountable. South Castries collapsed for 77 runs in 24 overs, with only Nathaniel Joseph (27) and Kershaun Gaillard (11) reaching double figures. Gros Islet’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, highlighted by Daniel Lorde’s remarkable 3 wickets for 3 runs and Neil Poyotte’s 3/22, bringing his tournament tally to an extraordinary 30 wickets.
The championship final promises an electrifying contest between these cricketing powerhouses, featuring Gros Islet’s formidable lineup led by Neil Poyotte and Jean-Claude Emmanuel against Central Castries’ dynamic duo of Theo Edward and Tyler Venner.