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Innswood take Grace Shield crown

Published:Thursday | April 12, 2018 | 12:00 AMJermaine Lannaman
Innswood coach Kirk Gordon

An outstanding all-round performance from West Indies Under-19 batsman, Jeavor Royal, pushed Innswood High to a fourth hold on the ISSA/Grace Shield title, following a narrow 36 runs win over Excelsior in the final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

Captain Royal, who claimed five for 56 on the opening day, and scored 109 on day two, returned to pick up five for 114 on the third and final day, as Excelsior, chasing a difficult second innings target of 368 runs to win, fell agonisingly close at 331.

The runs chase was set after Innswood, who had resumed the day on 336 for nine, were dismissed for 337 in their second innings.

This was to go with the 223 they had made during their first time at bat.

Excelsior, in their first innings, posted 193.

"This is the closest final of the four championships that we have won," said Innswood coach Kirk Gordon, who guided the Spanish Town-based institution to honours in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

"With 367 runs on the board, we thought we would have gone home from 3:00 p.m., but it was not to be.

"Excelsior fought us all the way, but our bowlers were disciplined for the most part, and, as the saying goes, 'an ugly win is better than a pretty loss'."

National Under-19 batsman and captain Ramon Senior, who top scored with 67 in the first innings, was again trump card for Excelsior in their victory pursuits.

He got a top score of 91, and was best supported by Danvil Walliston, 57, and Jamaica Under-19 opener, Kirk McKenzie, 36.

Left-arm spinner Kevin Peterson, three for 50 ended as Innswoods second best bowler.

"It was a match that was deserving of a final. It's just unfortunate that we came out on the losing end," said Excelsior coach Kirkland Bailey.
"I am nonetheless proud of my guys, the effort they showed."

Innswood will next face rural area Grace Headley Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical in the national playoffs next week.