Defending champions St Mary off and running in U15 cricket

Defending champions St Mary once again look like the team to beat in this year's Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Championship, as they easily brushed aside neighbours St Ann by eight wickets in the opening fixture of the 2023 campaign at the Ultimate Oval in Discovery Bay, St Ann, yesterday.

Diminutive leg spinner Shavaughn Boyd was in scintillating form as he bagged six wickets in restricting St Ann to just 77 all out in 39.2 overs.

Boyd sent back openers Brandon Mowatt and Kyle Bailey for 10 and eight runs, respectively, to leave St Ann on 33 for two. After bowling Jordan Pryce for a duck, Boyd then wrapped up the tail to complete his impressive spell of 13.2 overs, six wickets for 18 runs. Tedian Noyan also picked up two wickets for 26 runs despite 18 not out from Jadain Bailey.

St Mary never looked in any real trouble in the run chase as openers Devante Miller and Tyreece Saunders put on 64 runs for the opening wicket.

Jadeek Walker then came into the attack and pegged back St Mary's rampant reply following two quick wickets, including Saunders for 22 and Ajarri James for a duck.

Miller would, however, guide St Mary over the line following his 38 not out which came off 40 balls, while Jiovanni Richardson was left unbeaten on 10 from seven balls.

The win means St Mary took the early lead in Zone D which also includes St Ann, St Catherine Cricket Association, Clarendon and Manchester.

A full fixture of games will be played today across several venues with Kensington and Lucas squaring off at Kensington Park with Kingston welcoming Portland at Sabina Park in Zone A.

Zone B will see Hanover hosting St James at Allan Rae Oval with Westmoreland taking on St Elizabeth at Paradise.

Over in Zone C, St Catherine CC will take on Portmore at Chedwin Park with Kingston and St Andrew Cricket Association hosting Melbourne at Maxfield Park.

The lone Zone D fixture will feature St Catherine CA hosting Clarendon at Port Esquivel.