STETHS close in on Headley Cup

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

Defending Grace/ISSA Headley Cup champions, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), look unstoppable for a 24th title, after completely dominating first-time finalists Tacky High on day two of their three-day final at Alpart Sports Club, Nain, St Elizabeth.

When bad light forced the end of play an hour early yesterday, STETHS had piled up a 240-run lead, after progressing to 81 for one in their second innings.

Earlier, Tacky meekly surrendered the battle for first-innings honours when they were bowled out for 71, after showing some promise at lunch, posting 40 for two.

The St Mary team had made a fair start of 24 runs, seeing off the pace of Omar Samuels and Nicholson Gordon. However, Horane Linton's introduction in the attack, by way of spin, immediately accounted for Sherard Facey (12), who was caught and bowled for 12.

post-lunch effort

Their post-lunch effort showed up an inability to play spin, and leg-spinner Cassius Burton Jr, who had tormented them with a knock of 49 after coming at the fall of STETHS's sixth wicket on the opening day, tore them to pieces, snaring six for 15.

The defending champions would pour more agony in their wounds as Brian Gayle, who made a duck in the first innings batting at no. 5, was promoted to open. He was aggressive, hitting seven fours on his way to an unbeaten 55, with his captain Paul Palmer Jr on 12.

Gayle had put an opening stand of 51 with Sheldon Samuels.