Newcomers Jamaica Wins Les Harris Tourney

The just concluded Caribbean Union of Teachers’ Les Harris Cricket Competition saw an exciting finish as usual with defending champions Barbados and archrivals Trinidad & Tobago playing to a nail biting tie but the defending champions were relieved of their title by new-comers Jamaica. The excitement continued in a final round encounter at Arnos Vale 1 in the gem of the Caribbean, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Five teams participated in the tournament, including St. Lucia and hosts St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The final point standings saw Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago at the top of the standings with 10 points each, Barbados with 7, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, 4 and St. Lucia 1. Jamaica was adjudged winner on net run rate. Receiving the trophy for most runs was Greg Oliver (Jamaica) amassing a total of 180 runs, most wickets, veteran Dennis Osbourne (Barbados) scalping 7 wickets and the most valuable player Samuel Badree (T&T) scoring 125 runs and getting 5 wickets.

The teams were hosted at a welcome function hosted by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, the Dr. the Honorable Ralph Gonzalves and Mrs. Gonzalves, at a lavish function at the P.M.’s official residence in Montrose. The gathering of teacher cricketers, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports & Culture, executive members of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) as well as members of the cricketing fraternity of the host country.

The closing ceremony was held at the Arnos Vale 1 where teams were addressed by various officials of the Ministry, the cricketing fraternity, the interim President of the SVGTU, and the 3rd Vice President of the CUT, Ms. Joy Matthews.

Final Standings
Team Played Win Lost Tie Abandoned TOTAL
Jamaica 4 2 0 1 1 10
T&T 4 2 0 1 1 10
Barbados 4 1 0 2 1 7
SVG 4 1 3 0 0 4
St. Lucia 4 0 3 0 1 1