DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Wolmer’s Boys’ School and dark horses, Excelsior High School will contest the final of the ISSA/TVJ Super 8 T20 competition following contrasting semifinal wins at Sabina Park yesterday.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Wolmer’s proved that last year’s win against St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) wasn’t a fluke, carving out a 46-run win to book their place in the grand finale to defend their title.
Batting first, Wolmer’s faired a lot better with the bat this time around when compared to last year’s final against STETHS, posting a respectable 191 for two in their 20 overs with West Indies under-19 batsman, Jordan Johnson, showing class with a top score of 86 from 49 balls, and opener Corey Hinds chipping in with a more-than-useful 51 from 39 balls. Wicketkeeper Jose Northover also chipped in with 23 runs.
In reply, STETHS could only manage to 145 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Tyriek Bryan led their run chase with 37 and lower-order batsman, Kevoni Graham, got 35.
Right-arm off-spinner Matthew Aljoe bagged three wickets for 14 runs. Winning captain Justin Beckford was elated at the team’s performance in the big game.
“Our team showed our true class today. Jordan Johnson came up big and it was an all-around great team effort that took us to victory,” said Beckford.
Wolmer’s will face Excelsior High in the final after the latter pulled off a shock eight-wicket win over Manchester High.
Manchester first posted 129 all out in their 20 overs with captain Sanjay Walker leading from the front with a fighting 52 against national under-15 spinner Demarco Scott’s four-20 and Brian Clarke’s 2-28.
Excelsior finally decided to come up trumps with the bat, replying with 131 for two. Clarke returned to score an unbeaten 43 and Jahmar Daley top-scored with 46.