Thu | Dec 26, 2024

Junction Ballards Valley secure St Elizabeth title in SDC T20

Published:Saturday | June 15, 2024 | 12:10 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Ronique Rhoden (third from left) Director of Community Engagement, HEART NSTA Trust, Alric Miller (second right), Parish Manager, St Elizabeth SDC and Jennifer Simpson (right) Community Development Officer, SDC join in presenting the first place trophy
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Ronique Rhoden (third from left) Director of Community Engagement, HEART NSTA Trust, Alric Miller (second right), Parish Manager, St Elizabeth SDC and Jennifer Simpson (right) Community Development Officer, SDC join in presenting the first place trophy to captain Damian Ebanks (third from right) of Junction Ballards Valley, St Elizabeth champions of the parish phase of the SDC National Community Cricket competition.

Junction Ballards Valley maintained their dominance in St Elizabeth after reclaiming the coveted Social Development Commission’s (SDC) National Community T20 Parish Champions title. Their stellar performance unfolded at the Manley Horn Sports Complex last Sunday following an exciting showdown against perennial rivals Junction Bull Savannah.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Junction Ballards Valley posted 167 for six in their allotted 20 overs with national representative Andre McCarthy leading the charge with an impressive 67. He was ably supported by captain Damian Ebanks who chipped in with a brisk 23 not out from 15 deliveries. Demar Mindley and national youth representative Echony Robinson shone with the ball for Junction Bull Savannah, claiming two wickets each.

In pursuit of 168, Junction Bull Savannah’s innings got off to a promising start with Craig Walters unleashing boundaries off former West Indies pacer Darren Powell. However, their momentum fizzled out rapidly and despite valiant efforts from Walters and Rayon Smith, who both scored 15, the rest of the batting order faltered as Junction Bull Savannah were dismissed for 90, handing Junction Ballard’s Valley a convincing 77-run victory.

Lennox Simpson emerged as the bowling hero for Junction Ballards Valley with four for 17. He was supported by Troy Powell with two for 14 and Sherfon Allen, two for eight. In addition to lifting the championship title, Junction Ballards Valley also secured a handsome prize of $120,000.

In the battle for third place earlier in the day, Greenfield Watchwell outclassed Quickstep by eight wickets.

The national phase of the competition is set to bowl off on Sunday across multiple venues, including Chedwin Park, Eden Park, Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium and French Park.

The teams in the national play-offs are Johnson Mountain from St Thomas, Port Antonio Fire from Portland, Gayle CC of St Mary, Content Gardens and Links United from St Ann, Troy CDC from Trelawny, Green Pond of St James, Elgin Town representing Hanover, Whitehouse from Westmoreland, Fairfield and South Star United from Manchester, May Pen Lions out of Clarendon, Old Harbour and Bridgeport from St Catherine and Richmond Park, the team representing Kingston and St Andrew.