by HALLAM HOPE

EZONE CAVALIERS are the ninth-time winners of the 18th series of Harris Paints National Softball Cricket Competition.

Ezone won by 18 runs at Belfield in a final that lived up to its billing.

Winning the toss and batting first, Ezone made 102 off 29.2 overs and returned to bowl out a game Super Centre for 84 off 27.3 overs.

Man Of The Match Orion Bostic contributed a solid 18 and then grabbed two wickets with his fast-medium bowling.

In his second delivery, the Banks Division 1 player comprehensively bowled Rondell Yearwood for two.

Glen Scott had his chances but rallied Super Centre with a fine 34 that threatened to take his team to its first win.

He was caught at mid-on after contributing easily the leading score of the day. Scott dominated a 20-run partnership withYearwood for the fourth wicket before Bostic's entry after the water break ended an enterprising effort.

The writing was on the wall then and Super Centre went into decline after Scott's dismissal.

Andrew Drakes led the bowling for the winning team with three for 17 from 5.3 overs. Bostic snatched two for eight off four overs and Jamar Griffith two for 26 off five overs. Ken Mayers, the Super Centre captain, Ezra Nelson and Hendy Hinds grabbed two wickets apiece when Ezone batted.

Ezone, sponsored by Platinum Express Couriers, overwhelmed Divi Southwinds in the semi-finals, while Super Centre advanced with a victory over West Coast Stars.

Hard hitting Mike Seale of Ezone was adjudged the Man Of The Series.

Among the prizes and recipients were:

Most runs Zone 1 – Lonsdale Blake 148

Most wickets – Godwyn Flatts 14

Most catches – Roland Bowen 14

Most runs Zone 2 – Pedro Greaves 209

(Greaves scored the lone century of the tournament for Sagicor)

Most wickets – Shawn McClean 16

Most catches – Edward Ince 13

Best All-rounder – Miguel Cummins

124 runs and 13 wickets

Man Of The Match (final) – Orion Bostic.

Man Of The Series – Mike Seale