The sixth edition of the Saint Lucia Premier League T20 (SPL T20) began last weekend with matches across two venues. After the opening week, the Jade Mountain Soufriere Titans lead the points table on net run rate, though it is still early in the competition.
Match 1 – South Castries Lions vs Babonneau Leatherbacks
The action began on Friday night at the Mindoo Philip Park, where Dr Freezers South Castries Lions defeated the Babonneau Leatherbacks by five wickets.
Batting first, Babonneau managed 128 runs in 20 overs, restricted by former teammate Larry Edward, who took three wickets for 15 runs. Khan Elcock (37) and Johnnel Eugene (25) were the only Babonneau batters to pass 20.
Despite marquee talents Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles not firing, overseas recruit Daniel McDonald’s top score of 39 guided the Lions to a comfortable win.
Match 2 – Soufriere Titans vs Mon Repos Pioneers
The Jade Mountain Soufriere Titans claimed a dominant nine-wicket victory over Mon Repos Credit Union Pioneers. Dangerous opener Sabbinus Emmanuel struck 51 off 33 balls, while captain Keon Gaston smashed 38 from 17 deliveries. Cody Lesmond added 18 not out, helping the Pioneers to reach 164-7.
The Titans chased the target in 12.2 overs, thanks to a 115-run partnership between Guyanese Kevin Sinclair and Dwight Thomas. Thomas finished unbeaten on 54, while Sinclair blasted 76 off 26 balls, including seven sixes and five fours, earning Man of the Match honours.
Match 3 – City Blasters vs Micoud Eagles
City Blasters edged Micoud Eagles by 11 runs in a tight contest. Batting first, the Blasters posted 185-8, with Jaden Elibox top scoring with 34. Five batters passed 20, ensuring a healthy total.
Micoud Eagles fought hard through Samuel Charles (46) and Dominic Auguste (35), but ultimately fell short, finishing on 174-7.
Match 4 – Babonneau Leatherbacks vs Choiseul Craft Masters
Babonneau Leatherbacks thrashed Choiseul Credit Union Craft Masters by 141 runs. Babonneau piled up 253-4, led by Khan Elcock (79), Shervon Joseph (65), and Qwaine Henry (49).
The Craft Masters were bowled out for 112, undone by Joshua Mann’s 6/31 and Elcock’s 3-21.
Match 5 – Gros Islet Knights vs Mon Repos Pioneers
The weekend concluded with SAIL Gros Islet Knights defeating Mon Repos Pioneers by 88 runs. Gros Islet amassed a mammoth 274, highlighted by the tournament’s first century, Tarrique Edward’s 111 off 53 balls, and Dillon Douglas’ rapid 40 off 16.
Despite captain Keon Gaston’s valiant 58, Mon Repos finished at 186/9. Edward capped his all-round performance with 3-26 to add to his century.
Week 2 action begins Tuesday at Mindoo Philip Park, where South Castries face Gros Islet. Meanwhile, Babonneau battle Soufriere at Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. Both matches start at 7:30 PM.
