Steths, Vere in charge

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and Vere Technical, who played the first final of the season - the Grace Knockout - continue to make good impressions towards the goal of landing the Headley Cup.

STETHS, the defending champions, are leaders in St Elizabeth-based Zone C, while Vere have the early lead in Clarendon-based Zone E.

On their way to scoring two straight victories, STETHS first dismantled Newell High, who posted 121 all out, before the champions got home with the loss of one wicket. They coasted to 199 for three after electing to bat first against Black River, before completing the easiest of wins - by a margin of 178 - blowing away the opposition for a mere 21 runs.

Vere have played four games so far, winning three while holding on for a draw in fading light against Garvey Maceo.

In their first game of the season, the beaten knockout finalists knocked over Old Harbour for 67 before winning by six wickets; bowled out Clarendon College for 53 before getting the runs for the loss of three wickets; while they chased down Kemps Hill's 105 for the loss of three wickets.

However, Vere ran into sterner test against rivals Garvey Maceo and needed the rearguard skills of 14-year-old Ryan Burnett, as well as fading light, to keep their unbeaten run.

First, Garvey Maceo, led by Ryan Scott's century knock of 102, posted 217. Vere, paced by allrounder Fabian Allen's top score of 60 and Burnett's unbeaten 50, steered them to 208 for nine when stumps were drawn.