As the highly anticipated Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draws near, the Saint Lucia Kings delivered a statement of intent on Thursday, wrapping up their pre-tournament preparations with a confident seven-wicket triumph over the Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) South XI at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground – all despite being without their full roster of overseas and senior West Indies players.
The SPL South XI got off to a promising start after winning the pre-match coin toss and opting to set a first-innings target, but the Kings’ sharp bowling attack quickly derailed their plans, restricting the home select side to 145 all out for eight wickets. Standout batter Stephen Naitram anchored the struggling innings, grinding out a valiant 44 runs from just 36 deliveries to top score for SPL South. Lower-order spinner Larry Edward also put up late resistance, remaining unbeaten on 27 runs from 21 balls to push the side’s total into triple digits.
It was Trinidadian quick Damion Joachim who led the Kings’ clinical bowling display, tearing through the SPL South batting line-up with a devastating match-winning spell that earned him figures of four wickets for just 16 runs. Young paceman Amari Goodridge backed up Joachim’s performance perfectly, claiming three wickets for 30 runs to ensure the SPL South batters never found the rhythm needed to build a competitive total.
Chasing a revised target of 146 runs, the Kings finished the job in commanding fashion, reaching the required total in just 17 overs with seven wickets in hand. Opener Darron Nedd powered the run chase with an explosive innings, smashing 70 runs from only 36 deliveries to set the foundation for victory. All-rounder Matthew Forde provided an explosive late cameo, crushing 42 runs from a mere 15 deliveries to accelerate the innings, while Goodridge finished the game unbeaten on 41 runs to seal the win.
Looking ahead, the Kings will depart for St Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday, where they will regroup with their full squad: head coach and legendary local cricketer Daren Sammy, team captain Roston Chase, and the full group of high-profile international signings will join the side ahead of their opening match. The overseas contingent includes hard-hitting New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, Afghan spin prodigy Noor Ahmad, Sri Lankan stars Charith Asalanka and Maheesh Theekshana, and South African all-rounder Shadley van Schalkwyk.
Saint Lucia Kings will kick off their official 2025 CPL campaign this Sunday, when they face the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in St Vincent.