North Leeward takes Zonal Under-15 Cricket Crown

The cricket programme organised by the North Leeward Sports Association is paying dividends.

Considered the pioneers of Under -15 cricket in the country, having for several years run a successful competition of its own at that age level, North Leeward stood above the rest and is the 2008 Zonal champion.{{more}}

The lads from the North Leeward, led by Kenneth Dember and Otis Matthews, with ball and bat respectively, strolled to an easy seven wicket win over Central Windward last week Wednesday at the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field.

The 2007 winner, Central Windward, batted first and made 80 in 28.2 overs, with Dember bagging 7 for 27, bowling right arm off spin.

Dember broke the back of their batting, after a promising start from the openers of Central Windward, who put together 30 runs.

Kadir Nedd 16, and Shorn Browne 14, were the main contributors with the bat for Central Windward.

When it was their turn, North Leeward, crafted the way to the title, with left handed Otis Matthews, the pilot.

Matthews, hit nine fours in his 53 not out, as he shepherded his team to 84 for 3.

The 14 year old Matthews told SEARCHLIGHT following his match winning performance that he could have still done better had he not missed out on some bad balls.

For him, it was a good return to form, after missing out on a place in this country’s squad to the Windwards competition, earlier this year, because of an injury.

En route to the final, North Leeward, the most potent of the eight teams, whipped Marriaqua by 104 runs in the semi final. Central Leeward on the other hand, beat St. Georges by eight wickets.

The other teams which participated in the competition, were Kingstown, North Windward, South Central Windward, and South Windward. (RT)