Despite missing their overseas and West Indies players, the Saint Lucia Kings wrapped up preparations for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season with a seven-wicket victory over the Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) South on Thursday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
The SPL South XI won the toss and elected to bat first, but they could only manage 145 for 8. Stephen Naitram provided the most resistance, with a knock of 44 from 36 balls. In the lower order, spinner Larry Edward made an unbeaten 27 runs from 21 balls.
Led by a devastating spell from Damion Joachim, the Kings’ bowling unit was clinical. The Trinidadian claimed 4 for 16. Amari Goodridge finished with figures of 3 for 30, ensuring the South XI struggled to establish any significant momentum.
The Kings needed just 17 overs to chase down a revised target of 200. Darron Nedd powered the innings, smashing 70 runs off just 36 balls. Matthew Forde had an explosive cameo, striking 42 off 15 deliveries. Goodridge was unbeaten on 41.
On Friday, the Kings travel to St Vincent & the Grenadines, where they will be joined by head coach Daren Sammy, captain Roston Chase and overseas players including hard-hitting Tim Seifert, Noor Ahmad, Charith Asalanka, Shadley van Schalkwyk and Maheesh Theekshana.
They open their campaign on Sunday against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at Arnos Vale Playing Field.
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