Scores of eager boys and girls swung into action this week, as the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) bowled off its Under-13 Grassroots Tournament, powered by Laborie Credit Union, at venues across the island. There were wins for Gros Islet, Choiseul, Laborie, Mabouya Valley, and Mon Repos. SLNCA affiliates islandwide have been preparing for this softball series for months, following the grassroots festival held in January of this year at the Beausejour Gymnasium.
In this year’s Saint Lucia Premier League, the Laborie team was replaced by Babonneau. Cricket has been an inconsistent presence in the southwest district; though with a focus now on youth cricket, Laborie is hoping to make a comeback on the national scene. And if their maiden outing was anything to go by, the future looks bright. At Cross Over Park in Laborie village, the home team defeated Vieux Fort South in an exciting and spirited Group 3 match.
At the Balata Playing Field, Gros Islet totally dominated Babonneau, winning that encounter by 99 runs. Gros Islet took early control of Group 1. They made 107-8 in 15 overs. John Michael Auguste top-scored with 34, Andrus Paul added 23, and Evan Gilbert 12. Jovon Cadassee bowled well for Babonneau, with 5-23 in three overs, whilst Jahim Mathurin took 2-14.
In reply, Babonneau were dismissed for only eight in 6.3 overs. Ethan St Marthe’s four wickets for Gros Islet included a hat-trick, and he conceded only two runs in his sole over. Liam Charlemagne also bowled a single over, taking 2-1. Evan Gilbert and JnDave Forde had a wicket apiece.
In the East Coast derby, Mabouya Valley had the upper hand against Dennery at the Micoud Playing Field, winning by a whopping 112 runs. The Valley boys got to a massive total of 217-2 in 15 overs. Ethan Charlery scored the first century for the season. Paced by Kivaniel Evans, Dennery got to 105-5.
Micoud won the toss and elected to bowl first against Mon Repos. Mon Repos scored 181-5 against their neighbours, Cyril Charles ringing up 88. Micoud, in reply, were 121 all out, as Mon Repos won by 60 runs. Micoud plays Dennery and Mabouya Valley takes on Desruisseaux as Group 2 continues this weekend.
Choiseul defeated Anse La Raye in the fourth fixture. This weekend, games will be played at Mindoo Phillip Park, Dennery Playing Field, Desruisseaux Playing Field, and Canaries Playing Field in this crucial development competition.
Supporting sponsors for this competition, which includes 16 participating district teams, are Ackelles Holdings and Cool Breeze Jeep and Car Rentals. SLNCA Second Vice President and head of youth cricket Nerville Florence is the tournament coordinator.
WEEKEND MATCHES
- Gros Islet vs Central Castries
- South Castries vs Babonneau
- Mabouya vs Desruisseaux
- Micoud vs Dennery
- Vieux Fort North vs Choiseul
- Canaries vs Vieux Fort South
