Skipper Hall helps Manchester to U15 title

Captain Demario Hall showed his leadership qualities with both ball and bat to help Manchester lift the Kingston Wharves Under-15 cricket title following an eight-wicket win over defending champions St Mary at Up Park Camp Thursday.

After winning the toss, Hall had no hesitation in sending St Mary in on a moist Up Park Camp surface, his five wickets for seven runs helping to dismiss St Mary for 64 before returning to hit a top score of 35 to lead Manchester to victory at 68 for two.

Earlier, the St Mary batters found the going tough after opener Tyreece Saunders was hit in the ribs with the very first delivery of the match by pacer Jadaeh Moore. Saunders had to retire hurt, and with the next delivery, Devante Miller was bowled by Moore for a duck.

Those early scares shook the St Mary batters, who found the going tough and clawed their way to the 68-run total.

Captain Giovanni Richardson fought hard to stave off the onslaught and top-scored, with 25 from 59 deliveries with four fours.

Tedain Noyan was left not out on 12 as Kevaughn Flemming supported Hall with three wickets for 11 runs.

In reply, Manchester began the run chase confidently, with Hall and Kevoy Williams racing to 43 runs for the opening partnership before Williams went for 14.

Tesfah Ward only contributed four runs, but wicketkeeper Pajay Nelson joined his captain, Hall, and they took their team over the line, with Nelson scoring an unbeaten 11 to go with Hall's 35 not out, which came off 52 balls and included four fours.

For the final and tournament MVP, Hall, the title is a fitting reward for his team's total effort throughout the season.

"I feel good to know that we are champions this year. Our all-around game came through for us today, and this win is just a reward for all the hard work we have put in throughout the season," Hall said.