Wolmer’s win national Under-16 cricket title
MANDEVILL:E, Manchester — Wolmer’s Boys’ are national Under-16 cricket champions after Daniel Beckford’s run-a-ball 126 took them to first innings honours over Manchester High at Manchester High School grounds here on Wednesday.
Scores in the drawn ISSA/Grace Under-16 All Island final: Manchester High 134 and 67-3, Wolmer’s 230.
After winning the toss and batting on Tuesday’s first day of the two-day game, rural champions Manchester High lost wickets regularly, with only Matthew Morgan 52 ( nine fours off 68 balls) coming to terms with the Wolmer’s bowling.
Wrist spinner Jordan Johnson was the top bowler for Wolmer’s with 4-21, while left-arm spinner Alex Hines took 2-16.
The left-handed Beckford then led the Wolmer’s reply, hitting 16 fours in his dominant century. He got most support from his brother Justin Beckford, who hit 28.
Wrist spinner Sanjay Walker took 5-80 for Manchester High.
When the game was called off at tea time Wednesday, Dwayne Morgan was not out on 33 for Manchester High, while Wolmer’s left arm spinner Rajiv Redhi took 2-19.
Wolmer’s coach Gibbs Williams said “planning and preparation” were central to the urban champions’ success this season. He explained that Wolmer’s were placing great emphasis on grooming players from Under-14 and Under-16 levels. He expects the strategy to bear rich dividends at the Under-19 level in the years to come.
“The sky is the limit for us,” said Williams.
Manchester High’s coach Barry Barnes said Wolmer’s played “better all-round cricket and deserved to win” the all-island title.
— Garfield Myers