Gayle win scintillating semi against Johnson Mountain

The parish of St Mary will finally get a chance to win the SDC/Wray & Nephew National Community T20 Cricket Competition title following Gayle Cricket Club's narrow and exciting one-run semi-final win over previously unbeaten Johnson Mountain out of St Thomas yesterday.

The Ultimate Cricket Ground in St Ann was the venue for the epic showdown, which could easily go down as one of the most exciting encounters in the competition's history.

After winning the toss and deciding to take the first strike on a placid-looking pitch, Gayle's openers Anthony Walters and Brian Buchanan were off to a frantic start, hitting the Johnson Mountain bowlers to all parts of the Ultimate ground.

After just five overs, Gayle blew their way to 50 without loss and were looking in ominous form to put up a massive total on the board.

The pair were relentless against the Johnson attack and quickly posted a century, opening stand after 10 overs.

Walters, who was the aggressor in the partnership, brought up his 50 off 29 balls; however, his became the first wicket to fall, caught by Travaine McIntosh off captain Gavaskar Malachi for 54 at 141 for one. His innings included four fours and three sixes.

Robinson continued to cash in on a couple of dropped chances as he raced to 65 before he became the third wicket for Malachi at 153 for three after 17 overs.

Allando Robinson, with a quick-fire 28 from 12 balls, ensured that Gayle CC put up a respectable total of 185 for five in their allotted 20 overs.

Good start

Johnson Mountain knew that a good start was imminent, however, it was Gayle who seized the early initiative, as opener Yahfi Gould was brilliantly snapped up by wicketkeeper Anthony Walters off Jermaine Chisholm for 13 with just 15 runs on the board in the third over.

Chisholm then sent back his opening partner, Rheno Sinclair, for 14 to leave Johnson Mountain on 28 for two after five overs.

Wickets began to fall at regular intervals for Johnson Mountain, who were trying to stay in touch with the ever-increasing run rate, which went up to twelve runs per over at one stage.

However, a brisk and chance, filled half-century by Jair Campbell kept the St Thomas team in the hunt as they required 14 runs off the final over to book their spot in the final.

After hitting the third ball of the final over for a six, Campbell brought the equation down to two runs from one ball however Chisholm, who bowled the final over, had Campbell caught by wicketkeeper Walters for 88 to send the St Mary fans into rapture and on to the Ultimate field to celebrate with their team, who were making it to their first national T20 finals.

"I am feeling overwhelmed right now. We have been knocking on this door for a very long time. 2015, we lost in the semi-final, and now, we have made it to the final. It is a great improvement for us, and this a good thing for the parish of St Mary," said winning captain Sheldon Pryce.

Losing captain Gavaskar Malachi said his team lost the plot from before a ball had even been bowled.

"We had some major internal problems coming into this semi-final game. There were some player disagreements and infighting in the team, and it showed on the field today, it was our worst bowling performance. We dropped a lot of catches, and this is the result of all those mistakes."