After a two-year hiatus, one of Saint Lucia’s most anticipated domestic cricket competitions, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Men’s Super 50 tournament, finally kicked off its opening weekend, with Gros Islet delivering the most eye-catching performances across all matches.
Six total matches unfolded across three host venues during the opening round, producing a thrill-packed display of batting and bowling prowess: one full century, seven half-centuries, two six-wicket hauls, and three five-wicket bowling spells (known colloquially as “fivefers”) marked the competitive opening of the tournament.
As the reigning two-day national champions, Gros Islet entered Group B play on a high note and did not disappoint, clinching back-to-back wins to kick off their campaign. Their first victory came against South Castries at Mindoo Phillip Park on Saturday, where they secured a solid 75-run win.
Gros Islet’s innings got off to a rocky start, with their top order collapsing early. However, Jard Goodman stepped up with a spectacular counter-attacking century to turn the tide. Goodman smashed 103 runs off just 93 deliveries, peppering the boundary with five fours and eight towering sixes to rescue his side. Even with a fierce five-wicket performance from South Castries bowler Daniel Jn Baptiste, Gros Islet managed to post a daunting total of 273 all out.
South Castries responded with their own batting charge, led by Ephron Charles’ dynamic 62 runs off 50 balls. But Gros Islet’s Isaiah Jones, who earned Player of the Match honors, tore through the opposition’s batting lineup, claiming four wickets for 67 runs to bowl South Castries out for 198, sealing the opening win.
Gros Islet closed out their perfect opening weekend with a second dominant victory, beating Soufrière by 65 runs. Dominic Auguste anchored the innings with a quickfire 59 runs off 56 balls, helping Gros Islet set a target of 178 all out. Darvin Forde and Jones shared the bowling spoils, each picking up three wickets to bowl Soufrière out for just 113 in the 17th over.
Other Group B action at La Fargue saw Soufrière pick up a 47-run win over Vieux Fort. Soufrière posted 204 runs for 7, led by Jervon Charles’ 79 and Kervell Prospere’s 60. Captain Xystus Emmanuel starred with the ball, taking a sensational six wickets for just 35 runs to bowl Vieux Fort out for 157 in under 19 overs.
In Group C play at Wenn Playing Field, Mabouya Valley secured a four-wicket win over Desruisseaux. Desruisseaux’s Johnathan Paul hit a blistering 62 off just 26 deliveries, but Kirby Gustave’s incredible spell of 6 wickets for 16 runs bowled Desruisseaux out for 131. Mabouya Valley chased down the target in just 15.2 overs to claim victory.
Defending tournament champions Central Castries kicked off their title defense with a seven-wicket win over Mon Repos at Mindoo Phillip Park on Sunday. Mon Repos were bowled out for a paltry 106, with Jaden Elibox taking a remarkable five wickets for only 9 runs. Central Castries chased down the target losing just three wickets to secure the win.
In Group A, Babonneau took the early group lead with an eight-wicket win over Micoud at Wenn Playing Field. Micoud were bowled out for 163, with Mervin Wells top-scoring at 75, while Caleb Thomas claimed five wickets for 39 runs for Babonneau. Babonneau lost only two wickets chasing the target, with Quaine Henry finishing unbeaten on 54 to close out the chase.
The tournament will resume this coming weekend with a packed schedule of matches. Saturday’s slate includes Mon Repos vs Soufrière at La Fargue Playing Field, Desruisseaux vs Vieux Fort at Wenn Playing Field, and South Castries vs Mabouya Valley at Mindoo Phillip Park. Sunday will see four additional fixtures: Micoud vs Central Castries at Wenn, Vieux Fort vs South Castries at Mindoo Phillip Park, Choiseul vs Mon Repos at Piaye, and Mabouya Valley vs Soufrière at La Fargue.
Central Castries claimed the 2023 tournament title, beating Micoud by 144 runs in the final at Mindoo Phillip Park. This year’s edition will run through to the championship decider, scheduled for October 11 at Mindoo Phillip Park.