Gayle Cricket Club were crowned champions of the LP Martin St Mary Cricket Association 35-over Elite competition when they defeated Jack’s River by 10 wickets in a one-sided final on Sunday.

Jack’s River were asked to take first strike after losing the toss and were bundled out for a paltry 48, finding the spin of Gihon Murdock (4 for 13) and Marlon Byfield (3 for 11) too hot to handle as Gayle opted to open the bowling with an all-spin attack comprising the two St Mary parish slow bowlers in their armoury.

Murdock, in particular, caused problems for the batsmen with his variation and turn, while Byfield kept a tidy length. Former Jamaica Under-17 representative Aan Ennis also chipped in with two wickets for three runs with his medium pace.

In their turn at the crease, Gayle romped past the score without losing a wicket as Jamaica Under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman Trevaun Williams and Ennis made light work of the meagre target.

The competition was also sponsored by Costley Construction and Courier Service, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Dunn’s River.

At the prize-giving ceremony, St Mary’s rising batting star Zendai Williams received cash prize and a bat for being the top batsman and leading run scorer of the tournament.

Gihon Murdock received cash and cricket gears for being the Most Valuable Player of the final.

Gayle received the LP Martin and Sandals Trophy, medals, and cash prize for first place, while Jack’s River received the runners-up cash prize and medals.

Executive chairman of L P Martin Funeral Home Zachary Irwin expressed pleasure at the manner in which the competition was run and thanked the St Mary Cricket Association for an excellent season and its work in promoting grass-roots cricket.

Harrington Costley, owner of Costley Construction and Courier Service, and a long-time sponsor of St Mary cricket, lauded the finalists and noted that his company was pleased to be a supporter of local cricket in the parish.

First vice-president of the St Mary Cricket Association Junior Mattison said despite the poor weather which plagued the competition, the association ensured the majority of the matches were played. He spoke of the talent within the parish which the competition had unearthed and hoped the players will continue to show discipline and dedication.