The Saint Lucia Premier League T20 season, filled with drama, culminated in a showdown between the City Blasters and the Choiseul Craft Masters on May 23. The final, played at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet, saw the men from the City cruise to victory by 73 runs.
The two teams had very different paths to the final. The City Blasters, who topped the group stage, defeated Gros Islet in Qualifier 1 to secure their spot. Choiseul, meanwhile, scraped into the playoffs in fourth place and had to overcome the Micoud Eagles in the Eliminator and the Soufriere Titans in Qualifier 2 to reach the finale.
Rain threatened the match in the hours leading up to the game, but the inclement weather did little to dampen the atmosphere. The ground was packed, largely with orange-clad Craft Masters supporters. The conditions did, however, reduce the match to 18 overs per side instead of the usual 20.
Batting first, the undefeated Blasters showcased their firepower. Overseas batter Ryshon Williams blazed 52 runs from just 17 deliveries, while Vernillius Gabriel (37), skipper Stephen Naitram (41), and McKenny Clarke (35) added valuable contributions. Their efforts carried the Blasters to a formidable 219. Alvinus Simon was the standout bowler for Choiseul, claiming 3/36.
Chasing 220, the Craft Masters needed their star batsmen to deliver. Instead, they faltered. Alick Athanaze, who had scored a century on debut in the previous match, fell LBW to Dillon John for a first-ball duck. Wickets tumbled regularly, largely due to the brilliance of McKenny Clarke, who finished with extraordinary figures of 4/10 from 2.5 overs. Tournament MVP Junior Henry managed 29 off 13 deliveries, while tailender Bronté Bess added 33, but the Craft Masters were bowled out for 146.
After the match, City Blasters captain Stephen Naitram expressed his joy at lifting the SPL 6 trophy. The men from the capital celebrated their undefeated championship long into the night.
