Victory puts Vere in second round

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

Vere Technical, which have consistently made the semi-finals of the Grace/ISSA Headley Cup, secured their spot in the second round as the best-placed Clarendon team.

Coached by prominent umpire Dewith Coleman, Vere notched their fifth triumph in Zone E with a 61-run win over main zone rivals Garvey Maceo, last Friday. On a very large outfield which saw only four boundaries, Vere mined 130 all out. Oren Francis, who struck three of those precious boundaries, top-scored with 47, with allrounder Peter Clarke getting a valuable 32.

The home side fared even worse in their victory chase, labouring to 69 all out in 47 overs. Clarke completed a fine all-round effort, claiming four for 17 off 12 overs. Fabian Thompson supported well with three for nine off 16 overs and Odane Vassell, who has taken the most wicket so far for the team, scalped two.

Francis, a left-arm spin bowler, brought his season-tally to 20 having previously captured two against Edwin Allen, five against Old Harbour, four against Clarendon College (CC) and impressive figures of seven for nine runs against Kemps Hill.

Despite the loss, Garvey Maceo will be the second qualifier from Zone E. They have recorded wins against CC, Glenmuir, Kemps Hill and Edwin Allen, while their game against third placed Old Harbour ended in a draw. Vere will complete their final preliminary zone fixture at home against Glenmuir tomorrow.