Mona stop Belair forprep title

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Surrey champions Mona crowned themselves Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA)/Scotiabank Preparatory Schools all-island champions after defeating their Middlesex counterparts, Belair, in the final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, Mona, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, posted an impressive 132-1 off their allotted 25 overs. Belair, in reply, were then bundled out for 58 off 17.5 overs.

Jason Tapper with 53 not out and Zidanne Constantine, 17, led the way for Mona when they batted, while in the field the boys from Old Hope Road were led by pacers Michael Lewis, 3-14, Gauyani Bailey, 2-7, Nicholas Williams, 2-11, and William Phoman, 2-13.

"It was a little one-sided, but Belair have a pretty young team and I expect them to come back well next year," said a gracious Dennis Miller, coach of Mona.

"It was a total team effort on my players part, as although Tapper was outstanding we had others contributing the overall result at different stages of game. It was a genuine team effort," Miller added.

47 teams

A total 47 teams participated in this year's event, with Cornwall and Middlesex comprising 12 and Surrey 23. St James captured the Cornwall title.

Mount Alvernia's Tareek Dehaney, Balair's Darren Chambers and Hydel's Raewin Senior were each named the Most Valuable Player for their respective counties, and were each the recipient of a $50,000- grant from the sponsors to assist with their education.

It was the third year of Scotiabank's sponsorship of the competition and, according to the financial institution's director of marketing services, Joan Forrest-Henry, she was satisfied.

"We are very proud to continually be associated with this competition, especially given the fact that we are sponsors of the West Indies Cricket Board Kiddies cricket programme," said Forrest-Henry.

"It was well organised and all the teams gave a good account of themselves. We definitely saw a number of talents, who we need to keep on eye on for the future," she added.

Meanwhile, Oneil Cruickshank, cricket operations officer of the JCA with responsibility for organising the competition, said it was one of the best years.

"We are very pleased with what we have seen, especially as it relates to discipline. There was not one complaint about coaches or players," said Cruickshank.