The Saint Lucia Kings warmed up for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League with a massive win over the Saint Lucia Premier League North XI on Wednesday night at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Opting to bat first under clear skies on a hard pitch, the 2024 CPL champions set a torrid pace, posting 271 for six. Ackeem Auguste, who captained the Kings, hit a crisp 60 off 30 balls (including six fours and four sixes) before retiring.
Teenage Antiguan Jewel Andrew kept up the momentum, smashing a blistering 68 off 30 balls with five towering sixes.
Kamil Pooran added 34 off 18 balls, while Darren Nedd (30 off nine balls) and Matthew Forde (32 off 13 balls) pushed the Kings to their mammoth total.
“We came into this game with a clear mindset to stay aggressive and back our stroke-play from ball one,” Auguste said after the match. “Jewel was sensational out there, and the way the middle and lower order finished things off gave us massive confidence heading into the second half.”
Chasing a daunting target of 272, the select team was led by an explosive 49 off 21 balls from Jaden Elibox, and 37 off 17 balls from captain Stephen Naitram.
Amari Goodridge turned the game completely in the Kings’ favour, tearing through the opposition lineup to bag 5-30 from his four overs. McKenny Clarke (2-34) and Auguste himself (1-28) helped restrict North XI to 219-9, completing a comprehensive victory.
“Amari was outstanding with the ball,” said Auguste. “To pick up five wickets on a pitch where batsmen were hitting the ball so cleanly shows his quality and character. He broke key partnerships every time North XI threatened to get momentum back, and that was the decisive factor for us tonight.”
The Kings will play one more practice match at DSCG on Thursday, before travelling to St Vincent & the Grenadines for their season opener against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday at Arnos Vale Stadium. They begin their home stand immediately thereafter.
Match Summary:
Saint Lucia Kings: 271-6 (20.0 overs)
SPL North XI: 219-9 (20.0 overs)
Kings won by 52 runs
Player of the Match: Amari Goodridge (5-30 bowling & 25* off 13 batting)
