Maude Cross Preparatory School Advances to Cricket Finals

The Runako Morton/TDC Primary Schools Cricket tournament witnessed a dominant performance by the Nevis Preparatory School on Monday, July 7th, 2025, at the Meritzer Williams Park in Ramsbury. The Prep School showcased their batting prowess by amassing a formidable total of 151 runs for the loss of only two wickets in their allotted 12 overs. This impressive score was largely attributed to the exceptional batting display by Rozen Daniel, who spearheaded the innings with a scintillating knock of 86 runs. Daniel’s masterful stroke play and aggressive approach dismantled the St. James’ Primary School bowling attack, laying a solid foundation for a commanding victory. The Prep School’s innings was characterized by powerful hitting, astute running between the wickets, and a strategic approach that capitalized on the field conditions and bowling weaknesses. The team’s ability to rotate the strike effectively and maintain a high run-rate throughout the innings demonstrated their depth in batting and strategic acumen.

St. James’ Primary School faced a daunting task chasing a challenging target of 152 runs. Their batting lineup, however, crumbled under the relentless pressure exerted by the exceptional bowling performances of Elijah Tyson and, once again, Rozen Daniel. Tyson’s bowling prowess proved too much for the St. James’ batsmen to handle, as he dismantled their lineup with a devastating spell, securing four wickets, including a remarkable hat-trick. His ability to generate swing and seam movement, coupled with variations in pace and length, kept the batsmen guessing and resulted in a procession of wickets. Daniel further compounded St. James’ woes by replicating Tyson’s feat, also claiming four wickets, including a hat-trick of his own. His accurate bowling and ability to extract turn from the pitch bamboozled the batsmen, leaving them helpless against his spin wizardry.

The combined onslaught of Tyson and Daniel’s bowling left St. James’ Primary School reeling at a paltry 13 runs for the loss of eight wickets, effectively ending their innings and securing a resounding victory for the Prep School. The St. James’ batsmen struggled to cope with the pace, swing, and spin generated by the Prep School’s bowlers, succumbing to a combination of bowled, caught, and leg-before-wicket dismissals. Their inability to build partnerships and rotate the strike effectively further contributed to their downfall. The team’s batting performance highlighted their vulnerability against quality bowling and the need for improvement in technique and temperament.

This comprehensive win propelled the Nevis Preparatory School directly into the finals of the tournament. The established rules of the competition dictate that the team leading the points table at the conclusion of the preliminary matches automatically qualifies for the final showdown. The Prep School’s dominant performance throughout the preliminary stages ensured their place in the finals, showcasing their consistency and ability to outperform their competitors. Their impressive run rate and significant victories over other contenders solidified their position at the top of the table, making them the clear favorites to lift the coveted trophy.

With the Prep School securing their spot in the finals, the remaining three teams – Charlestown Primary, St. Thomas’ Primary, and the defending champions, Ivor Walters Primary – will now engage in a fierce battle for the remaining coveted spot in the final. These three teams will now face each other in a series of crucial matches that will determine which team will join the Prep School in the final. Each team will need to bring their A-game to these final encounters, showcasing their skills and strategic prowess to outmaneuver their opponents. The pressure will be on these teams to perform at their best and secure the opportunity to compete for the championship title.

The upcoming matches promise intense competition and exciting cricket as these three teams vie for the final spot. Charlestown Primary will rely on their strong batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack to secure their place in the final. St. Thomas’ Primary will hope to capitalize on their all-around abilities and strategic flexibility to outwit their opponents. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Ivor Walters Primary, will be determined to retain their title and will draw upon their experience and championship pedigree to overcome the challenges posed by their rivals. The final match in the preliminary stage is slated for July 10, featuring Charlestown Primary and Ivor Walters Primary playing under the lights at the ET Willet Park. The ultimate clash between the top team and the remaining qualifying team is slated for July 15. The tournament’s outcome remains uncertain, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming matches.