Led by Ethan St Marthe and Nicken Justin’s bowling and Daniel Lorde’s batting, Corinth Secondary triumphed in the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports Schools’ 40-Over Under-15 Cricket Tournament, defeating Choiseul Secondary by six wickets on Thursday at the Gros Islet Playing Field.
The victory marked Corinth’s first schoolboy cricket title since 2012.
Choiseul batted after winning the toss, but Corinth put on a dominant display in the field, dismissing the southerners for 146 in 35 overs. Choiseul’s cause was hardly helped by having to play their semifinal the day before at Piaye.
National Under-15 player Kerlan Daniel led the way for Choiseiul with 48 runs, inclusive of seven fours, with only three batsmen getting into double figures. Fellow national player Samuel Jean made 25 at the top of the order.
Extras totalled 41, but the day belonged to left-arm fast bowler St Marthe and off-spinner Justin. St Marthe, eventually adjudged most valuable player of the final, took 4-12. Justin grabbed 4-20.
The Corinth chase got off to a brisk start, thanks to Lorde. He smashed 33 off 20, with six fours and a six. After 10 overs, Corinth were remarkably well poised at 89-2, thanks in part to Choiseul’s generous 37 extras.
The 100 came up in the 12th over for the chasing side. Captain Tristan Wilson faced nearly 60 deliveries for a patient but crucial 11 before retiring hurt. Jasha Louis hit 15 from 19, and Yorick Joseph 17 from 43, as Corinth got to 149-4 in a mere 25.4 overs.
Choiseul’s bowlers were exceedingly wasteful, conceding 63 extras in total.
Neither of the finalists featured in the tournament awards. Jean Claude Emmanuel of St Mary’s College amassed 365 runs to lead all scorers. He had the only two centuries in the competition, 106 and 172 not out, and was named tournament MVP.
Trevern Edward took 16 wickets for 2023 champions Saint Lucia Sports Academy to lead all bowlers. Better known for his tennis prowess, Ahlil Cyril of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary had the best single-innings bowling analysis, 9-22 in 6.3 overs. And Malik Narcisse of SMC took the only hat-trick in the series, against Sir Ira Simmons Secondary.
My old school! Congratulations boys!!!!!!