Bridgeport secure back-to-back JEP titles

A stellar performance with the ball from captain Dwayne Guthrie and some experienced batting from Roy Williams guided Bridgeport to a narrow two-wicket win over Old Harbour in the final of the Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) 40 over St Catherine Cricket League at Port Esquivel on Sunday.

Captain Guthrie was sensational with the ball as he bagged seven wickets for 38 runs in 11.3 overs, restricting Old Harbour to 115 in 29.3 overs.

So good was his opening spell Guthrie sent back the first five Old Harbour batsmen with 57 runs on the board, including the inning's top scorer Romone Francis, who made 33 from 46 balls with four fours.

Rohan Francis chipped in with 23, while Erron Downer made 21 as Germaine Gordon helped Guthrie with two wickets for 31 runs.

In reply, Bridgeport clawed their way to victory at 119 for eight in 25.2 overs, with veteran Williams steering the run chase towards the end, with 18 not out, including three fours.

Oshane Baugh had earlier given Bridgeport a good start following his 42 from 58 balls with three fours and three sixes, while Shane Harris chipped in with 26 against four wickets for Ramone Francis.

Winning captain Guthrie was pleased they could hold on to secure back-to-back titles.

"I am overwhelmed, having secured victory and the title for the second year in a row. We were a bit nervous towards the end, but I was confident that 'Big Roy' would take us home," Guthrie said.

Moya Hinds, PRO for title sponsors Jamaica Energy Partners, praised the teams for putting on a grand finale.

"Congratulations to Bridgeport for their outstanding performance in retaining the title in the tightly contested league. We also applaud all the teams' exceptional efforts and eagerly await next year's staging.

"The journey of nurturing cricket talent and fostering sportsmanship continues to thrive. Together, we celebrate the success of this cricket league and look forward to even brighter horizons for the sport and our beloved St Catherine community," Hinds said.