Central Castries advance to two-day cricket final

A nine-wicket haul for Kymani Sexius, backed by solid batting from Theo Edward, Jamaal James and Vernilius Gabriel, steered Central Castries into the final of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Premier League Two-Day tournament. Central beat Babonneau by seven wickets in the second semifinal at Mindoo Phillip Park over the weekend.

Summary scores: Babonneau 90 & 229 (K Sexius 9-85, Shervon Joseph 70, Q Henry 52), Central Castries 209-9 dec. (T Edward 66, J James 55) & 112-3 (V Gabriel 40*)

After Central Castries won the toss and opted to field, Dillan John struck with his third ball of the innings, removing Dane Edward for a duck. Qwaine Henry also went for without scoring, the first of six first innings wickets for Sexius. He took four wickets in succession, leaving Babonneau reeling at 24-5.

Shervon Joseph provided the first meaningful resistance, scoring 34 from 51 balls before Sexius dislodged him. Caleb Thomas made 19 and Alex Joseph 16, as Babonneau folded feebly in their first innings.

Sexius took 6-20 from 8.5 overs, John took 2-32, Jaden Elibox 1-8 from six overs, and Cypriani Norville 1-24.

Theo Edward and Jamaal James anchored the Central Castries response with an 87-run partnership from 80 balls for the second wicket, pacing them to a first innings lead of 119. Shervon Joseph took 4-41 to lead the Babonneau bowling.

Fresh off the Under-23 tour of Dominica, Edward hit 66 off 58 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. James contributed 55 from 89 balls with five fours and two sixes, and Stephen Naitram chipped in with 35 to stake the big advantage, as they declared with nine wickets down.

Babonneau showed resilience in the second innings with Shervon Joseph again at the forefront, making 70 from 164 balls, inclusive of six fours. Qwaine Henry totalled 52 from 86 balls, and Josh Cepal managed 36 from 48. Sexius took 3-65, John 3-60, Jaden Elibox 2-57. Jamaal James and Cypriani Norville had one wicket apiece.

Chasing 110 to win, Central Castries lost three wickets in the first 10 overs, including Theo Edward for 25. But Vernilius Gabriel and Stephen Naitram guided the men from the capital home. Gabriel smashed an unbeaten 40 off 32 balls, striking four fours and two sixes, while Naitram was not out 31 off 30 balls, with four fours and a six. 

Central Castries face defending two-day champions Gros Islet on December 19-20 at Mindoo Phillip Park with the title on the line.

(TF)