MAN OF THE MATCH Kemar Graigg took three for 28 off his eight overs of controlled spin bowling to set up his side St John Cultural for an easy four-wicket semi-final victory over North Stars and a place in the finals of the Sagicor Shield competition.
Before a sizeable crowd at the Banks Brewery ground, North Stars were skittled out for a disappointing 111 in 39 overs and St John Cultural replied with 112 for six in 34.5 overs.
North Stars found themselves in early trouble when they were reduced to 12 for three wickets in seven overs.
Ian Broome and Rod London batted out the next 17 overs to add 41 for the fourth wicket before Broome became Craigg’s first victim, caught at short square leg by the wicketkeeper Andre “Mauby” Phillips, running the distance.
Two deliveries later, Andy Griffith played a similiar shot and was caught likewise without scoring. In Craigg’s next over, London, who was at the crease for 21 overs for his 21 runs fell to a simple catch at mid-on to give Craigg his third victim.
In the meantime Alvin Campbell was trying to push the scoring along with a solid 25. After he was caught by Craigg off Frank Skeete the North Stars innings folded quickly for 111 off 39 overs.
In reply, St John Cultural lost their first two wickets at seven and 18 respectively but sensible batting from Lewis Spooner (29) and Kyle Franklyn (24) saw the St John team recover to reach 81 for three at the end of 25 overs.
The lower half of the team led by Richard Young (16) saw their side to victory with 4.1 overs to spare.
St John Cultural will now await the winner in the rescheduled semifinal between Nature Valley Lodge School and Ince Transport MTW. This match, slated for Dayrells Road yesterday, was belatedly abandoned due to a wet outfield because of a burst pipe.
