Gros Islet delivered the standout performances during the opening weekend of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Men’s Super 50 tournament, which returned after a two-year absence. Across six matches at three venues, there was one century, seven half-centuries, two six-wicket hauls, and three fivefers.
Gros Islet, the defending two-day champions, got off to a strong start in Group B, picking up two wins. On Saturday, they beat South Castries by 75 runs at Mindoo Phillip Park.
Gros Islet recovered from an early top-order collapse through a magnificent century from Jard Goodman, who struck 103 from 93 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and eight sixes. Notwithstanding a spirited five-wicket haul from South Castries bowler Daniel Jn Baptise, Gros Islet reached a formidable 273 all out.
South Castries launched a counter-attack led by Ephron Charles, who made 62 off 50 balls, but player of the match Isaiah Jones dismantled their lineup by taking 4-67 to dismiss them for 198.
Gros Islet finished their perfect weekend with a 65-run win over Soufrière. Dominic Auguste scored 59 from 56 balls, helping Gros Islet reach 178 all out. Darvin Forde and Isaiah Jones each took three wickets, bowling out Soufrière for 113 in the 17th over.
At La Fargue in Group B, Soufrière beat Vieux Fort by 47 runs after scoring 204 for 7, with Jervon Charles making 79 and Kervell Prospere adding 60. Soufrière captain Xystus Emmanuel led the bowling, taking 6 for 35 and dismissing Vieux Fort for 157 in under 19 overs.
At Wenn Playing Field in Group C, Mabouya Valley beat Desruisseaux by four wickets. Johnathan Paul hit a quick 62 from 26 balls for Desruisseaux, but Kirby Gustave’s 6 for 16 bowled them out for 131. Mabouya Valley chased down the target in 15.2 overs.
Defending champions Central Castries won by seven wickets over Mon Repos at MPP on Sunday in Group C. MoPo were dismissed for 106, with Jaden Elibox capturing 5-9. Central overhauled the target for the loss of just three wickets.
Babonneau took the lead in Group A by beating Micoud by eight wickets at Wenn. Micoud were bowled out for 163, with Mervin Wells scoring 75 and Caleb Thomas taking 5 for 39. Babonneau lost only two wickets chasing the target, with Quaine Henry finishing unbeaten on 54.
The tournament picks up again this weekend with a busy schedule. On Saturday, Mon Repos face Soufrière at La Fargue Playing Field, Desruisseaux play Vieux Fort at Wenn, and South Castries meet Mabouya at Mindoo Phillip Park.
Sunday brings four more games: Micoud take on Central Castries at Wenn, Vieux Fort face South Castries at MPP, Choiseul play Mon Repos at Piaye, and Mabouya play Soufrière at La Fargue.
Central Castries won the 2023 tournament, beating Micoud by 144 runs at Mindoo Phillip Park. This year’s competition runs until the final on October 11 at MPP.
(TF)
