George Stephens Secondary School takes U-19 secondary schools cricket title

The George Stephens Senior (Sr) Secondary School defeated the Barrouallie Secondary School by six wickets in the finals of the 2023 St Vincent and the Grenadines Secondary Schools Under-19 Cricket finals at the Buccament Bay Playing Field last Friday, June 2.

With both teams boasting a number of national players at either the Under-15 or the Under-19 levels in their line-up, a hard fought encounter was expected, but this did not materialise. The Barrouallie Secondary School won the toss and decided to take first knock on a green top under overcast conditions, with the umpires adjusting the playing conditions from 50 overs per inning, to 40 overs, due to a late start forced by early morning showers.

The Barrouallie Secondary School were soon all out after 22.5 overs for 84. Lebron Douglas top-scored with 22, Jordan Charles made 18, and Damali Philips 10- the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Joe Williams led the destruction for George Stephens (Sr) with 4 for 34 from 8 overs, and was well supported by Dexter Baynes, 2 for 6; Ian Gonsalves 2 for 12; and Elron Glasgow 2 for 13. Extras contributed a healthy 23, made up of 4 byes, 1 leg-bye, 2 no-balls, and 16 wides.

In reply, led by Joe Williams with 38, the George Stephens (Sr) Secondary School reached 89 for 4 in 12.1 overs- 27 overs to spare. Williams received good support at the other end from Elron Glasgow who contributed 21, and Jowayne Adams with 18. Extras contributed 9.

Bowling for the Barrouallie Secondary School Watson Seaton took 2 for 34 from 6 overs; Damali Phillips 1 for 18 from 2.1 overs; and Lebron Dougas 1 for 31 from 4 overs as the George Stephen (Sr) Secondary won by six wickets.

Sports officer in the Division of Physical Education and Sports Deighton Butler, later told the assembled players that “it was not a high scoring match as we would have expected,[it] was keenly contested, but at the end became a little bit one-sided.”

In the individual awards presented Watson Seaton received the award for most wickets– 20; Joe Williams with consistent performances throughout the tournament, ensuring that the George Stephens (Sr) Secondary School laid hold of the Under-19 title, received the award for most runs scored in the tournament – 200. He also received the award for being the best all rounder- with his 200 runs and 15 wicket haul; and was also adjudged the MVP of the finals.

Meanwhile the 2023 St Vincent and the Grenadines Primary Schools Cricket finals is scheduled for this Sunday, June 11, at the South Rivers Playing Field from noon. The contenders are the South Rivers Methodist School and the Park Hill Government School.