Headley Cup final: STETHS in control

Western Bureau:

Defending champions Manchester High School face a mammoth task to avoid defeat by St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in the final of the ISSA Headley Cup cricket competition on today's third and final day.

Hosts Manchester High were ahead by a mere 31 runs at the close of play on day two, struggling at 66 for seven. Matthew Morgan made 30 while Demar Freeburn and Govasta Edmond are the pick of the bowlers for STETHS, with two wickets each.

Earlier in the day, STETHS only added 48 runs to their overnight score to be bowled out for 175. Anil Broham, 67, top-scored for the visitors against Rasheed Harriott who took five wickets for 32 runs.

On day one, Manchester were bowled out for 140 with Sanjay Walker getting 75. A six-wicket haul by STETHS' Edmond was the highlight of the day.

Manchester High's assistant coach Patrick Reid, said, despite being down, there is still hope once they can manage to put a partnership together.

"I think the guys played well in the morning session, restricting STETHS to a 35-run lead after resuming at 127-5. We are really disappointed in our batters' approach in the second innings. While batting in the first innings, we saw what STETHS had to offer with the ball. So we knew what to expect. We had discussions with the boys but they are youngsters and they didn't execute and made poor decisions," Reid said.

"I think there is still hope even though we are seven wickets down. At one point yesterday, STETHS were three wickets down for eight runs and one partnership took them to past a 100. So, as long as we have two batters at the crease, there is still hope," he added.

STETHS coach, Clive Ledgister, is pleased with his team's performance so far. However, he said they will not take Manchester for granted.

"The team's performance has been good so far, even though we are not playing to our full potential. We are in a position that can allow us to win the Cup once again, so I am happy," Ledgister said.

"I am hoping that we can come out and pick up those three wickets early and try to restrict Manchester to a low-enough total. We are not taking anything for granted because playing away from home can bring a lot of pressure," he added.