Vere's wins 'the big one' over STETHS

Romaine JacobS' five wicket haul saw Vere Technical High School upsetting the defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) winning by 18 runs in the second match of the ISSA/Grace Twenty20 Competition's double-header at the STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, yesterday.

Jacobs, whose leg break spin bowling created all sorts of problems, finished with figures of five for 25 off his four overs. He told The Gleaner after the game that he did what was needed in tough conditions as the wicket was not spinning.

"I'm very impressed with myself. Coming into this game, I knew it was a big one against STETHS where we had to come out with our best game, and that's what I did today," said Jacob. "Yes, it was tough. STETHS, have a very good team, so you have to pick the right spot, and that's what I did pitching on off stump."

"After this win, we would be comfortable, but we won't take the other teams lightly. We have to play hard and competitive cricket right throughout the season," he added.

Not at sharpest

Coach of STETHS, Clive Legister, was sympathic towards his team after the game, saying that his players were not game sharp as the weather took a toll on their practice going into the game.

"Over the last three weeks, we haven't got a chance to do any form of training or practice, because of the inclement weather. As a matter of fact, since we played Innswood (in the Spalding Cup), we haven't had a chance to knock up a cricket ball or fielding practice," said Legister, who believes they still have a strong chance of making it out of the four-team zone.

Hosts restricted

Batting first, Vere posted 141 for eight from their T20 overs with top scorers Mario Duncan (32) and John Bryant 25 not-out. Andre McCarthy and Roberto Simpson both grabbed two wickets each for STETHS.

In reply, the host was restricted to 123 for nine, with Lenox Simpson top-scoring with 26.

In the other game, Manchester High School defeated Holmwood Technical High School by three wickets. Batting first, Holmwood posted 112 for three wickets off 18 overs as the match was reduced by two overs due to a late start. In chasing, Manchester, who lost wickets at regular intervals, reached the target with the last ball.