By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterBOYS' Town celebrated their 50th anniversary in local cricket by winning the Jamaica Cricket Association's (JCA) Senior League title at Melbourne Oval yesterday.
The final against Manchester ended in a draw, but Boys' Town secured their fourth national cricket title by virtue of taking first innings honours on yesterday's second and final day.
Scores in the two-day contest were: Manchester 163 and 192 for four declared; Boys' Town 235 and 72 for four.
Top club executive Locksley Comrie believes this win is the beginning of a new Boys' Town Cricket Club.
"It marks a rebirth for Boys' Town cricket and we congratulate the youngsters," he said.
Comrie, a former Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president and a member of the managing committee at Boys' Town, added:
"This title is a gift to the community. The community has not had a prize for the last 20+ years or 30 years."
Boys' Town, which resumed yesterday's on 140 for three, lost their last seven wickets for an additional 95 runs to secure a 72-run lead.
Overnight batsmen Omar Campbell and Herbert Haye did not last long, falling within 17 runs of each other. Campbell, 19, fell after adding just one to his overnight score, while night watchman Haye made 10, both falling to Lancelot Warren (3-32 off 12 overs), who also accounted for former Jamaica batsman Courtney O'Connor for 22 at 204 for six.
Apart from Damion Allen, 18, and Oneil Weir, 25, the tail did not last long with Haniff Martin 2-12 and Damion Sangster 2-36 providing useful bowling support for Warren.
Facing a deficit of 72 runs, Manchester went in search of quick runs and got off to a good start with Chacon Chambers, 63, and Warren, 12, in a 42-run opening stand. However, after losing Chambers, who hit six fours and one six in his 54-ball knock, runs were hard to come by as only Craigon Malcolm, 28, had success.
That was until hard-hitting David Powell walked to the wicket with four wickets down and in his 39-ball knock, he produced a quick fire undefeated 42. He added 74 for the fifth-wicket with Corey Phillips, who ended on 20 against Phillip Keating 2-58. Haye (1-33) and Marlon Keating (1-21) picked up a wicket apiece.
Set 121 to win, Boys' Town suffered a scare when pacer Stevon Patterson took four wickets for 31 runs to have them reeling on 46 for four.
However, thanks to Campbell's one-hour stay at the crease for 17 and O'Connor, who ended on 14, Boys' Town batted sensibly to secure the crown.
