May Pen Lions, Junction Ballards Valley claim wins in SDC T20

May Pen Lions and Junction Ballards Valley emerged victorious in the opening set of matches in the SDC National Community T20 Cricket competition’s National Phase, which bowled off with an exhilarating doubleheader at the French Park Oval in Manchester last Sunday.

In the opening encounter, Junction Ballards Valley from St Elizabeth clinched a narrow three-run win against Manchester’s Fairfield. Junction put up a formidable total by scoring 187 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.

Andre McCarty starred with a classy 56 which was ably supported by Diane Binns with 38 and David Powell 24. Fairfield’s Adrian Silvera snared three for 28 and Rosario Marshall picked up three 56.

In response, Fairfield fell short at 179 for eight, despite spirited efforts from Jamie Merchant 35, Jamaine Morgan 34, and Javed Williams with 31. David Powell bagged three for 34 for Junction while former West Indies fast bowler Daren Powell claimed two for 32.

The second match saw May Pen Lions dominate South Stars United, securing a convincing nine-wicket victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method. South Stars struggled and could only manage to get 103 all out in 18.4 overs, with Javardi Francis contributing 20 and Kashane McDaniel 18.

Former West Indies seamer Krishmar Santokie starred with the ball for May Pen, taking four for 23. Rain interruptions forced officials to revise May Pen’s target to 78 runs from 15 overs. Odaine McCatty’s unbeaten 41 and Tieno Osbourne’s 26-not out guided the Lions comfortably to victory at 78 for one in just 8.3 overs.

The National Phase continues this weekend with upcoming round-robin matches to be held at Eden Park Sports Complex in Jacks Hill, St Mary and also the UWI Mona Bowl in St Andrew, Paradise Sports Ground in Westmoreland, and Manley Horne Cricket Ground in St Elizabeth.