Manchester win Senior Cup
Published:Monday | July 4, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer
MANCHESTER crowned themselves kings of Senior Cup cricket in Jamaica after achieving first innings honours over neighbours St Elizabeth, following the completion of the two-day final at the Alpart Sports Club yesterday.
Jamie Merchant snared four wickets and David Powell three, as St Elizabeth were bowled out for 201, well short of Manchester's first innings total of 343 for eight declared.
Earlier, with knocks of 68 by Davian Davidson and 46 by Damion Ebanks, St Elizabeth had looked like forcing a no-result and a share of the title when on 190 for six, rain stopped play at the tea interval. However, the showers eased after an hour and Manchester's spinners capitalised on St Elizabeth's ultra- defensive approach, as four wickets fell for 11 runs in 28 deliveries.
Manchester had laid the foundation for a likely win on the opening day, when they closed on 292 for six.
They surprisingly opted for safety when play resumed on its second and final day and batted a further 12 overs. It ensured that overnight players - 16-year-old Triston Coleman (73) and 18-year-old Sherdan Allen (54), extend their sixth wicket partnership to 101.
The win, which brought Manchester $200,000, was their third in a row.
The best feeling
"This one has brought the best feeling as when you look at the (economic) conditions we had to go through in terms of getting the players prepared and motivated," said coach Barry Barnes. "My whole heart goes out to the players."
Darren Powell who took over the St Elizabeth captaincy for the first time, was not overly disappointed.
"The feeling is a hard one, but I have to congratulate the players as it has been years since the parish has reached a final or semi-final. There were a lot of positives this season that we can take forward."
Damion Bryce was announced the Man of the Match. The left-hander, who had transferred from St Catherine Cricket Club at the start of the season, played a destructive knock of 99 and also shared an 89-run opening wicket partnership with Zeniffe Fowler (40).