STETHS crush XLCR for Spalding Cup crown

St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) were crowned champions of the all-island ISSA/GraceKennedy Spalding Cup play-off for an 18th time after defeating Excelsior High by 10 wickets at STETHS yesterday.

Starting the third and final day on 99 for five, for a lead of one run, Excelsior lower order struggled and were eventually dismissed in their second innings for 152.

National Under-17 batsman Raewin Senior, who began the day on 43 not out, went on to hit 52 to topscore for the boys from Mountain View Avenue.

STETHS captain, Michael Frew, 3-20, and Odaine McCatty, 3-17, claimed most wickets.

Set a comfortable 54 runs for their win, STETHS posted 56 without loss with openers Jordane Hill and OcKeeno Farquharson ending unbeaten on 26 and 22, respectively.

Excelsior had earlier made 121 in their first innings to which STETHS replied with 219.

"Today we came out with the ball and put in some good work and got the desired result," said Frew, who was copping a third title this season.

rich cricket tradition

His team in reaching the play-off captured the rural area Headley Cup title, while he was also a member the victorious West Indies ICC Under-19 World Cup team.

"It (victory) means a lot to us, as we have a rich cricket tradition here at STETHS, and it's a great feeling to carry it on."

Kirkland Bailey, coach of Excelsior, the urban area kingpins, seeking a first hold on the title, congratulated STETHS on their effort.

"It was tough to lose Senior as our first wicket on the day, as it made things that much harder.

"But congrats to STETHS they used their experience well, and kept us out of the contest."

Bailey, who pointed that he expects to lose only two players this season, and hopes to make another run at the Spalding Cup next year, also said all was not lost for the season.

"We still have the Twenty20 title to play for and the aim is to win our section, and if we meet STETHS in the all-island final, to give a better account of ourselves," he quipped.