The 2024 Saint Lucia Premier League T20 delivered another weekend of high-stakes, fast-paced cricket, marked by dramatic on-field results and unexpected weather disruptions that have reshaped the tournament’s early standings. Of the four scheduled matches across Saturday and Sunday, only two were able to get underway at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. A planned double header at Mindoo Philip Park, featuring clashes between Babonneau Leatherbacks and Mon Repos Pioneers, plus City Blasters versus South Castries Lions, was completely canceled after persistent rain left the outfield unplayable.
The opening fixture of the weekend saw Choiseul Craft Masters claim a convincing 32-run victory over a South Castries Lions side led by star international batter Andre Fletcher. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Choiseul put together a dominant 20-over total, powered by standout innings across their batting order. Jason Simon got the innings off to a solid start with 30 runs, before a 101-run third-wicket partnership between David Livingstone (who finished unbeaten on 64) and Trevon James (62) sent the score soaring. Skipper Vince Smith added a quickfire 39 runs off late overs, pushing Craft Masters to a final total of 217 for 4 at the end of their allocation.
Chasing a steep 10.9 runs per over to win, South Castries got a legendary individual performance from Fletcher, who bludgeoned 92 runs off just 44 deliveries to keep his side in the hunt. However, no other batter could produce consistent support: the next highest score for the Lions was just 15 not out from Corlinus Calender, and the side was ultimately bowled out for 185 runs inside the 20 overs. Alvinus Simon led the charge with the ball for Craft Masters, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 40 runs, while Shawnil Edward chipped in with 3 wickets for 26 runs to seal the result.
The second fixture of the weekend brought even tighter, more dramatic action, as the undefeated City Blasters extended their winning run with a narrow one-wicket victory over Soufriere Stumpers. Blasters captain Stephen Naitram won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that put his side under pressure early as Soufriere’s top and middle order all made solid contributions. Kevin Sinclair (35), Xystus Emmanuel (38), Kevin Gassie (36), and Bradley Tisson (33) all crossed 30 runs, lifting Soufriere to a competitive total of 207 all out. McKenny Clarke kept the total in check with a disciplined bowling performance, taking 2 wickets for just 28 runs to prevent Soufriere from posting an even larger target.
The second innings delivered nonstop drama, with momentum swinging repeatedly between the two sides. Overseas opener Ryshon Williams got City Blasters off to a flying start, smashing 44 runs off 21 deliveries to put the chase on track. Naitram and middle-order batter Jaden Elibox then added crucial runs to keep the side on track for victory, before Soufriere’s spin attack turned the tide. Spinner Dwight Thomas picked up two wickets in a single over, and Kevin Sinclair removed Clarke to put Soufriere firmly in the driving seat.
But a series of costly fielding errors ultimately decided the result. Soufriere’s bowlers put themselves in position to win, but dropped catches let City Blasters’ lower order escape. Late-order batters Murgaran Shoulette (unbeaten on 44) and Kyle Adonis (24 not out) held their nerve to reach the target, handing the Blasters another narrow win and extending their unbeaten streak.
Following the weekend’s action, City Blasters remain firmly at the top of the tournament table with 10 points from four matches. Babonneau Leatherbacks and South Castries Lions are tied on 7 points for the second and third playoff spots, with the Leatherbacks holding the advantage thanks to a superior net run rate.