The much-anticipated sixth iteration of the Saint Lucia Premier League T20 (SPL T20) launched last weekend, with five competitive matches held across two host venues to kick off the tournament. After the conclusion of the opening round of fixtures, Jade Mountain Soufriere Titans have claimed the top spot on the points table courtesy of a superior net run rate, with weeks of competition still ahead to shake up the rankings.
The opening clash of the tournament unfolded on Friday evening at the iconic Mindoo Philip Park, where Dr Freezers South Castries Lions secured a five-wicket victory over the Babonneau Leatherbacks. Electing to bat first, Babonneau was held to a total of 128 runs off the full 20 overs, with disciplined bowling from ex-Babonneau player Larry Edward proving decisive—Edward claimed three wickets for just 15 runs to restrict the opponent’s scoring. Only two batters from Babonneau managed to surpass the 20-run mark, with Khan Elcock notching 37 runs and Johnnel Eugene adding 25.
Even though South Castries Lions’ star players Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles failed to deliver their expected impact, the side still pulled off a comfortable win, led by overseas recruit Daniel McDonald’s unbeaten top score of 39 runs.
In the second match of the opening week, Jade Mountain Soufriere Titans delivered a dominant nine-wicket blowout against Mon Repos Credit Union Pioneers. Batting first, the Pioneers put up a competitive 164 runs for the loss of seven wickets, thanks to dangerous opening batter Sabbinus Emmanuel’s quickfire 51 off 33 deliveries, captain Keon Gaston’s explosive 38 from 17 balls, and 18 not out from Cody Lesmond.
The Titans chased down the 165-run target in just 12.2 overs, powered by a match-winning 115-run opening partnership between Guyanese import Kevin Sinclair and Dwight Thomas. Thomas remained unbeaten on 54 at the close, while Sinclair bludgeoned 76 runs off only 26 deliveries, including seven towering sixes and five clinical fours. His spectacular performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The third fixture saw City Blasters secure a narrow 11-run win over Micoud Eagles in a tense, back-and-forth encounter. Batting first, City Blasters posted a solid total of 185 runs for 8 wickets, with Jaden Elibox top-scoring with 34 runs. Five of the side’s batters crossed the 20-run threshold, building the foundation for the competitive total. Micoud mounted a strong fightback, with Samuel Charles scoring 46 runs and Dominic Auguste adding 35, but the side ultimately fell short of the target, finishing on 174 runs for 7 wickets.
The fourth match of the week brought an emphatic victory for Babonneau Leatherbacks, who thrashed Choiseul Credit Union Craft Masters by 141 runs. Batting first, Babonneau piled up a massive 253 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, led by Khan Elcock’s 79 runs, Shervon Joseph’s 65, and Qwaine Henry’s quick 49. In response, the Craft Masters were bowled out for just 112 runs, undone by Joshua Mann’s exceptional bowling figures of 6 wickets for 31 runs, supported by Elcock’s 3 wickets for 21 runs.
The opening weekend of the tournament wrapped up with a convincing 88-run win for SAIL Gros Islet Knights over Mon Repos Pioneers. Gros Islet amassed an imposing total of 274 runs, headlined by the first century of the 2024 tournament: Tarrique Edward scored a blistering 111 runs off 53 deliveries, while Dillon Douglas added a rapid 40 off 16 balls to boost the total. Despite a valiant 58 runs from Pioneers captain Keon Gaston, Mon Repos could only reach 186 runs for 9 wickets at the close. Edward capped off a stellar all-round performance by picking up 3 wickets for 26 runs to complement his match-winning century.
Action will resume this coming Tuesday for the second week of the tournament. South Castries Lions will face off against Gros Islet Knights at Mindoo Philip Park, while Babonneau Leatherbacks will take on league leaders Soufriere Titans at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. Both fixtures are scheduled to get underway at 7:30 PM local time.