By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterA NEW CHAMPION will be crowned in this year's Grace Shield Premier League after defending champions St. Jago were held to a draw by A League winners Norman Manley in their semi-final match at Monk Street yesterday.
St. Jago ended the three-team semi-final round stage on two points; two behind Jonathan Grant, who they lost to in their opening encounter. Norman Manley, two points, now await Jonathan Grant and in a must-win situation, if they are to secure a spot in the May 13-15 final at Melbourne Oval.
St. Jago's bid to reach their third consecutive final suffered a big blow on Tuesday when rain ended the first day at about 2:45 p.m. The defending champions were 246 for four, thanks to Damion Henry's 105.
Due to the rain, play did not start until 2:00 p.m. yesterday and St. Jago did not hesitate in declaring at their overnight score. With just four hours to play, Norman Manley struggled to 174 for seven.
The opening partnership between Omar Allison, 49 (with seven fours), and Jason Hutton, 13, led Norman Manley got the side off to a good start but, after losing four quick wickets, they slipped to 83 for four.
At that stage, Allison, playing a match-saving innings, found another useful partner in Dave Johnson, 21, and the two added 53 for the fifth wicket.
However, when Johnson went off left-arm spinner David Lemmie (1-24) at 136 for five and, one run later, Allison played straight back to medium pacer Oneil Morgan (4-34), St. Jago must have fancied their chances.
However, Jamaica Under-15 batsman Marvin Lobban, 39, Yanick Elliott, 10, and Marvin Grey, 19 and Colts captain Nicholas Ferron, one, held off the defending champions for a draw.
