Weekend rains held off just long enough for the second playoff game of the 2025 Saint Lucia Premier League to conclude, albeit as a shortened five-over contest. The SAIL Gros Islet Knights and CCCU Choiseul Craft Masters faced off for the second time in two weeks, following Gros Islet’s victory in their regular-season finale. This time, in Sunday’s Eliminator match at the Gros Islet Playing Field, the home team repeated their success with a dominant 10-wicket win.
After winning the toss and electing to field, the Knights restricted the Craft Masters to 81-3 in their five overs. Jason Simon led the charge, smashing 27 off just eight balls, including three fours and two sixes. Overseas player Ryshon Williams contributed a quickfire 25 (8 balls), featuring three sixes and a four, while captain Vince Smith remained unbeaten on 17 (12 balls) with two boundaries. Murgaran Shoulette added a four and two singles from three deliveries.
All five Gros Islet bowlers conceded double-digit figures, though Darvin Forde was the most economical, giving up just 11 runs. Royce Paul claimed 2-14, Tyrel Chicot took 1-14, while Lee John was hit for 19 runs in his over and Tarrique Edward for 21.
In response, Kimani Melius was majestic. The season’s leading run-scorer and former West Indies U-19 captain blazed his way to 65 off just 16 balls, hammering nine sixes and two fours at a staggering strike rate of 406.25. Opening partner Noelle Leo faced only four deliveries but made them count, smashing a six and two fours to finish unbeaten on 14. Gros Islet cruised to 84 without loss in just 3.1 overs.
Melius took particular aim at Ryshon Williams, who opened the bowling with his slow left-arm orthodox. After conceding a four and a no-ball, Williams was dispatched for five consecutive sixes in a brutal assault.
With this victory, the Gros Islet Knights advance to face Ackelles City Blasters for a place in the final, where the SCCA South Castries Lions await. Notably, Gros Islet were the only team to defeat the City Blasters during the preliminary stage of the competition.
