Defending champions Kings off the mark in JCA Dream XI T10

The Surrey Kings showed why they rule the roost in the local T10 competition as they easily brushed aside the Middlesex United Stars by 67 runs on the opening day of the Jamaica Cricket Association Dream XI-sponsored competition at Sabina Park yesterday.

Discarded West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood showed a glimpse of his immense talent by smashing 62 from 29 balls in the King's imposing score of 141 for three in their allotted 10 overs.

Blackwood smashed seven fours and four sixes as the United Stars bowlers had no answer for the counter-attacking style from Blackwood and his teammates. Blackwood and Kennar Lewis (31) added 69 runs for the second wicket, this after the Kings had jumped out to a swift opening 46 runs in just four overs.

Despite a painstaking 32-ball 35 from Damion Bryce, the United Stars could not get any momentum to get anywhere close to the victory target. In the end, they sputtered to 74 for four with right-arm leg spinner Kenroy Williams bagging two wickets for six runs.

Winning captain Jeavor Royal was pleased that the team got off to such an impressive start in defence of their title.

“It's always very important to get off to a win. We want the momentum going into the remainder of the competition and I thought the boys played some good cricket today. Jermaine Blackwood batted well up top, supported by Kenroy Williams who finished off well with the ball in the end.”

Earlier, the Cornwall Warriors stunned the Surrey Royals by seven wickets thanks to a Man of the Match performance by Andre McCarthy.

The veteran batsman hit 52 from 31 balls as the Warriors chased down the 89 runs needed for victory, closing at 91 for three in 9.1 overs.

Opener Leroy Lugg had earlier made 36 from 24 balls in the Royals total of 88 for five. Carlos Brown chipped in with 17. Odel Samuels took two wickets for 17.