Fri | May 3, 2024

Headley Cup final set for thrilling finish

Published:Friday | April 12, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Manchester High’s Rasheed Harriott (second left) celebrates after he bowled May Day High’s Devar Murray (second right) on Wednesday’s opening day of the ISSA GK Insurance Grace Headley Cup final at Manchester High. Looking on are Pajay Nelson (left)
Ian Allen
Manchester High’s Rasheed Harriott (second left) celebrates after he bowled May Day High’s Devar Murray (second right) on Wednesday’s opening day of the ISSA GK Insurance Grace Headley Cup final at Manchester High. Looking on are Pajay Nelson (left) and Ukellee Broomfield (right).

DAY two of the 2024 ISSA GK Insurance Headley Cup final between Manchester High and May Day High served up some enthralling action at the Manchester High cricket field yesterday. After resuming day two on 118 for 9, May Day failed to add to their overnight score and handed the hosts a first-innings lead of 101 runs.

Scores: Manchester 219 and 189; May Day 118 and 66 for three.

Manchester started their second innings firmly placed to pile on a mammoth total, but their batsmen failed to convert starts into meaningful scores. Five of their top six batters got 20 or more runs. Opener Matthew Morgan top-scored with 55 while his teammates Pajay Nelson and Brian Barnes chipped in with scores of 36 and 24, respectively. May Day’s Christopher Lewis was the pick of the bowlers as he ended with figures of three for 19 while Nashane Meade took three for 76 and Mark Barrett two for 12 as Manchester made 189 in their second innings.

Chasing a target of 291 for victory May Day managed to reach stumps on 66 for three with the competition’s leading run scorer, Javed Williams, on 29 and Nashane Meade on 10. May Day still need a further 225 runs for victory.

Oral Simpson, head coach of May Day, said a disciplined batting display will be key if they are to get the required runs on today’s final day.

“We’re still in with a chance as we have 90 overs to get 200-plus runs. We have to bat disciplined because that was lacking in our batting in the first innings. Javed (Williams) showed how we plan on batting throughout this final day, and if we continue in that vein, there’s no doubt we can get it. This is a final, and we’re not going to give up until the last ball is bowled,” he stated.

Barry Barnes, head coach of Manchester, said while he wanted to get four wickets before yesterday’s close of play, he was still optimistic about his team’s chances.

“I’m disappointed as we wanted another wicket before close yesterday, but they gave it their best shot, and the game is still open because these are schoolboys, so I’m not calling it as yet,” Barnes shared.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com