After last weekend’s quarterfinals, the semifinals for the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association men’s Super 50 tournament are confirmed. Gros Islet will play Central Castries, and Babonneau will take on South Castries this weekend, so the title will stay in the north of the island.
At the Francis Baba Lastic Ground in Gros Islet on Saturday, two-day champions Gros Islet beat Mabouya Valley by six wickets. Mabouya Valley were bowled out for 114 in 25 overs. Off-spinner Tarrique Edward took 4 for 19 in four overs, while young pacer Darvin Forde added 2 for 12. Jeandell Cyril, Bjorn Fanis, Lee John and Isaiah Jones each took a wicket. Deshon Rampal was the top scorer with 31.
Gros Islet reached their target in eight overs, closing on 118-4. Noelle Leo led the reply with an unbeaten 32, Khan Elcock made 29, captain Kimani Melius scored 19, and Isaiah Jones finished on 14 not out. Chad Polius claimed 2-2 for Mabouya Valley.
Prime Minister’s Cup winners Babonneau also secured their semifinal berth on Saturday, with a nine-wicket victory over Soufriere. Soufriere were bowled out for 165 in 29.2 overs. Sheldon Willie top-scored with an unbeaten 50, Xystus Emmanuel made 47, and Dravid Andrew chipped in with 23. Nyeen Rosemond claimed 3-32 for Babonneau, while Caleb Thomas, Johnnel Eugene and Yulieski Gustave took two wickets each.
In reply, Babonneau reached 169 for the loss of one wicket in 22 overs and two balls. Thomas completed a fine all-round display with an unbeaten 79 from 73 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and three sixes. Dane Edward made 42 and captain Qwaine Henry was 33 not out when victory was achieved.
On Sunday at Wenn Playing Field, South Castries posted the weekend’s highest team total to defeat Mon Repos by 117 runs. South Castries accumulated 299-4 from their 34 overs. Johnson Charles made an unbeaten 116 from 51 deliveries, hitting five fours and 13 sixes. Ephron Charles struck 95 from 80 balls with 16 boundaries, sharing a second-wicket stand of 105 runs with Tonius Simon, who made 34.
Mon Repos were bowled out for 182 in 28.3 overs. Keon Gaston top-scored with 74 from 62 balls, while Cody Fontenelle and Dijarn Felix contributed 26 runs each. Royce Paul took 4-53 for South Castries, with Daniel Jn Baptise and Simeon Gerson claiming 2-24 apiece.
At Mindoo Phillip Park, defending Super 50 champions Central Castries completed the semifinal line-up with a 55-run win over Micoud. The men from the capital reached 186-8 in 35 overs. Jamaal James top-scored with 66 from 92 balls. Kyle Adonis contributed 50 from 45, as the pair put on 85 runs for the sixth wicket. Ted Jonas took 4-43 for Micoud, supported by two wickets each from Shervon Pamphille and Ammie Antoine.
Micoud were dismissed for 131 in 17.4 overs in reply. Mervin Wells struck 43, while Rohan Lesmond and Murlan Sammy made 27 runs each. McKenny Clarke led the bowling effort for Central Castries with 5-32 in 5.4 overs, while Zayee Antoine claimed 3-19.
The semifinals of the 50-over competition will take place this coming weekend at Mindoo Phillip Park.
