The Saint Lucia Premier League T20 delivered more thrilling cricket action over the weekend with two exciting fixtures at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. These matches were part of four scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, although the other double header, which was supposed to feature Babonneau Leatherbacks against Mon Repos Pioneers and City Blasters versus South Castries Lions, at the Mindoo Philip Park, was rained out.
In the first encounter on Saturday, Choisuel Craft Masters defeated the South Castries Lions by 32 runs. Batting first, the Craft Masters were lifted by contributions from Jason Simon (30), David Livingstone (64 not out), Trevon James (62), and skipper Vince Smith (39), posting a well‑fought 217-4 in their 20 overs.
This total proved too much for the Lions. Despite a blistering 92 runs off 44 deliveries from overseas player Andre Fletcher, South Castries struggled to find their footing. The next highest batting effort came from Corlinus Calender, who scored 15 not out, as the Lions were bowled out for 185. The bowling charge was led by Alvinus Simon, who claimed 4-40, and Shawnil Edward, who took 3-26.
In the second match, the City Blasters kept their unbeaten streak alive with a narrow victory against Soufriere Stumpers. The Blasters won the toss and elected to bowl. Soufriere went on to post 207, with key contributions from Kevin Sinclar (35), Xystus Emmanuel (38), Kevin Gassie (36), and Bradley Tisson (33). The total could have been larger if not for McKenny Clarke’s standout bowling performance of 2-28.
The real drama unfolded in the second half. Overseas opener Ryshon Williams gave his team a strong start with 44 runs off 21 deliveries, while captain Stephen Naitram and Jaden Elibox added valuable middle‑order runs. Soufriere fought back through spinner Dwight Thomas, who struck twice in one over, and Kevin Sinclair, who removed McKenny Clarke to swing momentum further in their favour.
However, several dropped chances in the field proved costly. Soufriere could not support their bowlers, and the missed opportunities eventually decided the match. Murgaran Shoulette (44 not out) and Kyle Adonis (24 not out) guided the City Blasters to victory.
Following this round of fixtures, the City Blasters sit at the top of the table with 10 points. The Babonneau Leatherbacks and South Castries Lions are tied on seven points, with the Leatherbacks ahead on net run rate, for second and third places respectively.
