Fairfield United reaffirmed their dominance in the SDC National Community T/20 Cricket competition by securing their third title in four years. The Manchester-based team triumphed over first-time finalists Links United by 30 runs on Sunday at Chedwin Park, keeping the coveted crown within the parish for another year.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Links United initially appeared to have the upper hand. Fairfield United’s Jamaine Morgan was the first to fall, departing for 15 with the score at 20. Zidane Gordon, who top-scored with 25, and Javed Williams, contributing 14, added 37 runs for the second wicket. However, Fairfield’s innings faltered as they lost four wickets for just 27 runs, slumping to 85 for 5.
Despite the collapse, Fairfield managed to drag themselves to a total of 147 all out in 19.3 overs, with eight of their batters reaching double figures. Former national player Jamie Merchant chipped in with 19, including two sixes. Tevin Gilzene was the standout bowler for Links United, claiming an impressive 5 for 19, while captain Othneil Pennant supported with 2 for 35.
In their chase, Links United’s hopes were dashed early when opener Damion Bryce was dismissed off the third ball of the innings. Fairfield struck back with a boundary-laden 35-run stand for the second wicket between Renaldo Ingram and Tevin Gilzene. Gilzene, who hit three fours, was trapped leg before wicket for 19 by Leighton Leslie in his first over. Ingram, who struck four boundaries, top-scored with 23, but Links United’s innings crumbled from 57 for 2 to 64 for 6.
Deethmar Anderson provided a brief glimmer of hope for Links United with a brisk 33 off 22 balls, including three fours and a six, but his dismissal off Richard Thomas ended any hopes of a comeback. Links United’s innings ended at 117 in 15.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations among the Fairfield players and their supporters.
Thomas was the star with the ball, taking 4 for 17, while Roshawn McKenzie added 2 for 10, and Jamaica Scorpions player Gordon Bryan chipped in with 2 for 21.
In addition to the title, Fairfield United also pocketed a $1.5 million cash prize while frist runner-up Links United received $750 thousand dollars, 15% of which will go towards a community project.
In the curtain-raiser, Angels Masters claimed the Masters title with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Bushy Park Masters. Batting first, Bushy Park posted 125 for six, with former Jamaica wicketkeeper Keith Hibbert top-scoring with 42. Ralston Berbick added 24, and captain Dwight Stewart contributed 20. Christopher Halstead took 2 for 27, while Brenton Beckford claimed 2 for 36.
In reply, Angels Masters raced to victory at 129 for 2, thanks to an unbeaten 60 from Ranville Brown and 48 not out from Damion Morris. The pair shared an unbroken 100-run partnership for the third wicket, sealing the win in style. Berbick returned to take 2 for 23 with the ball, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Bushy Park’s defeat.
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