STETHS, Innswood seek Spalding Cup advantage

Kirk Gordon, coach of Grace Shield champions Innswood High School, said they are confident that this year they can keep the ISSA Spalding Cup in the urban area that bowled off yesterday at the STETHS Sports Complex against Headley Cup winners St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), despite been denied by the same opposition in their three previous attempts.

"This championship has eluded us on three separate occasions before where we were beaten to this same opposition. We know what happened in the first three so we are really focused as we really want to turn the tables this time around," said Gordon.

"We came here mindful of the fact that the rural team normally dominate, but if you remember Papine defeated this STETHS team easily last year. We came here with the same intention because we have been playing some very good cricket in the urban area this year.

GUTS AND CHARACTER

Clive Ledgister, coach of STETHS, said despite the poor start, he believes his young team has what it takes to reclaim a rural hold on the Cup given the guts and character they showed in the semi-final and final of the Headley Cup.

"Yes, definitely," said Ledgister. "Previously, when we play against Innswood, it has always been tough and intense games. Also, these two teams are champions each (urban and rural) so we expect it. I believe the team that is mentally tough and prepared will come out victorious, and I trust my guys even though they are pretty young."

Rian forced an early end to the first day's play with STETHS on 141 for the loss of six wickets. Andre McCarty top scored for the hosts with 35, while Rajay Simpson and Odane Thompson are the not out batters.

West Indies Under-19 player Jeavor Royal was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.