By Robertson S. Henry
GROS-ISLET, St Lucia – Gros-Islet continued their unbeaten run as the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Division 1 Inter-District Two Day Cricket Competition continued over the weekend (March 7- 8) at the Gros-Islet Playing Field with an impressive seven-wicket victory over Central Castries.
Central Castries batting first upon winning the toss, was dismissed for 193 in 57.3 overs, with Jaden Elibox making 54, Ephron Charles 24, Tyler Sookwa 23, Jamaal James 21, and Ackeem Auguste 19.
The wicket-takers for Gros Islet were Simeon Gerson with 4 for 58 in 15 overs, Tarryck Gabriel 3 for 40 in 12.3 overs, Udell Preville 2 for 38 in 13 overs, and 1 wicket to Kymani Sexius.
Gros Islet in reply led by a brilliant half-century from Dane Edward made 284 all out in 64.1 overs. Dane Edward top-scored with a well-played attacking knock of 90 inclusive of 13 fours and 4 sixes; Mateo Boulogne 36, Udell Preville 29, standing captain Vernillius Gabriel 27, Tarryck Gabriel 26, Simeon Gerson 16 not out, and Zidane Arthur 15.
The main wicket-takers for Central Castries were Dillan John, Jaden Elibox, Keygan Arnold, and skipper Jamaal James with 2 wickets each.
With a deficit on 1st innings of 91 runs, Central Castries batting a second time was bowled out for 177 in 38.5 overs, with Jamaal James making 48, Keygan Arnold and Ackeem Auguste 28 each, and Jemmi Mauricette 22.
Doing the damage with the ball for Gros-Islet were Tarryck Gabriel with 5 for 37 in 13 overs, Lee Solomon with 2 for 16 in 3 overs, Udell Preville 2 for 31 in 9 overs and 1 wicket to Simeon Gerson.
Set a victory target of 87 in 12 mandatory overs in the last hour of the day’s play, Gros Islet led by Dane Edward with 31, Tarryck Gabriel 27 and Vernillius Gabriel 12 not out achieved victory, finishing on 87 for 3 in 11.2 overs.
Meanwhile, South Castries defeated Babonneau by an innings and 68 runs in the latest round of matches in the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Division 1 Inter-District Two Day Cricket Competition.
Batting first, Babonneau was dismissed for 202, which was built on contributions from Kerry John 56, Stephen Abraham 35, and Zayee Antoine 34.
Bowling for South Castries, Xavier Gabriel finished with 4 for 35, and Kester Charlemagne 3 for 65.
Replay, South Castries declared at 380 for 9, which was on the strength of a Tonius Simon 146 which included 20 fours and 9 sixes. Xavier Gabriel made 73, and Emerson Charles 33.
Devon Eugene was the pick of the Babonneau bowlers with 3 for 59. Batting a second time, Babonneau was bundled out for 110, with Quain Henry top-scoring with 23. Xavier Gabriel was again the chief destroyer with 4 for 25, and Tonius Simon 3 for 22.
