Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
TRENCHFIELD
ST. THOMAS yesterday suffered a 33-run defeat at the hands of Portland in their Capital and Credit Limited Overs cricket encounter at Goodyear Oval.
After been sent to bat by the hosts, Portland made 114 all out in 33 overs as Crafton Clarke made 26 against the bowling of Jamie Trenchfield (4-25) and Steve Logan (2-3).
When St. Thomas batted they were sent packing for 81 in 29 overs. Floyd Johnson (3-28) and Omar Clarke (3-30) were the main destroyers as only Vincent Gray with 24 offered any resistance.
It was St. Thomas' second loss and Portland's second victory and it came in a game that marked the end of the preliminary rounds.
Despite the defeat though, St. Thomas, who ended on 12 points - the same as last year's champion St. Catherine C.C. - qualified for the Super Eight round of the competition behind group C winners Manchester, who ended with maximum 20 points.
With only two spots available from each group, St. Catherine C.C's defence of their title was made impossible due to the fact that they lost to St. Thomas when both teams met. St. Thomas advanced on the head-to-head decision.
The teams that have booked a place in the Super Eight are Group A - Kingston and JDF; Group B - Kensington, Lucas, Police (all on 12 points - net run rate will decide); Group C - Manchester and St. Thomas; Group D - Melbourne and St. Ann.
