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St George’s coach’s intuition right in T20 semi loss
April 18, 2024
St. George's College's coach Carlington Ebanks' fears of their brittle batting, along with the strength of Excelsior High's bowling, were confirmed yesterday, as the latter secured an easy 10-wicket victory in the semi-finals of the ISSA/GK Insurance Urban Area Twenty20 semi-final at St George's College.
Excelsior have advanced to the final, where they will face Kingston College (KC), who had a 21-run victory over St. Catherine High on their home turf.
Scores: St. George's 66 from 18.2 overs, Excelsior 69 without loss from 4.2 overs; and KC 174 for four, St Catherine 153 for six.
Ebanks, meanwhile, conceded that St George's were outplayed yesterday.
"Excelsior is a good team, and we knew we were up against it. We've been struggling batting-wise all season, and they have a good bunch of bowlers, therefore, it was hard to get them away, and we just lost this one on the day," Ebanks explained.
STEADY START
Hosts St George's won the toss and elected to bat and after a steady start to their innings, Excelsior's bowlers started their rampage.
St George's reached 54 for three, but their innings spiralled downwards, as they were bundled out for 66.
Tamarie Redwood, from his four overs, bagged three for 11, while Tarique Forbes took two for 11 from his four overs, as Michael Clarke chipped in with two wickets without conceding a run from his solitary over.
In reply, a carnage from opener David Dewar pushed Excelsior through to the final as he smashed a match-winning 60 not out from 18 deliveries. Opening partner Jamare Dailey supported with eight runs from eight deliveries while spending most of the time looking on.
BETTER BOWLING
Kirkland Bailey, coach of Excelsior, stated that he would have liked a better bowling performance based on the quality of their bowling. He also showered opener Dewar with praise for his shot-filled innings.
"It was a fair performance as we could have done better with the ball based on the standard of players in the camp. The batting is starting to mature. David Dewar has been our talisman this season, and he has allowed our captain (Michael Clarke) to watch for most of the time. His innings set the platform for us to canter home," Bailey explained.
Meanwhile, hosts KC, batting first, had opener Kev-Andre Virgo top-scoring with 74 in their 174 for four from 20 overs.
In reply, St Catherine were restricted to 153 for six with Robno Reid making 44 and Jaheim Frater contributing 38. Kingston College's Alexandre Elliot was the pick of the bowlers, taking one for 13 from his four overs.
