Race Course Cricket Club, former two-time national champions, clinched the Clarendon Parish title in a thrilling final against May Pen Lions on Sunday at Sir P’s Oval, securing their place in the national phase of the Social Development Commission (SDC) National Community T/20 Cricket Competition.
In the championship decider, Race Course successfully chased down the May Pen Lions’ challenging total of 167 for 9, reaching 168 for 4 with just two balls to spare (19.4 overs) for a dramatic 6-wicket victory. May Pen Lions’ innings, featuring 14 sixes, was powered by openers Sanjay Walker (43) and Tieno Osbourne (39), along with Donjay Dillon (30), but was crucially checked by Race Course bowler Demar Christie’s devastating spell of 4 wickets for 17 runs in 3 overs. Franklyn Waugh anchored the winning chase with an unbeaten half-century (51), supported well by Dwight Stewart (36).
Earlier, Bushy Park delivered an impressive performance to claim third place, demolishing Vernamfield Royals by a massive 156 runs. Batting first, Bushy Park unleashed an astonishing 218 for 7 in just 18 overs, spearheaded by Anthony Brown’s explosive 61, with Deshaun Smith (36) and Jermaine Thomas (35) contributing significantly. Vernamfield’s chase collapsed dramatically under Bushy Park’s bowling attack, particularly Najae Wright (3/12 in 1.5 overs) and Ralston Berbick (2/14 off 2 overs), folding for a mere 62 in 7.5 overs despite Davion Boreland’s 24.
The SDC reaffirms its commitment to grassroots cricket and community development through this competition. Significant parish-phase prize money, totalling over $1,500,000 provided by the SDC and its partners this year, is awarded at the both the parish and national phase of the competition. Crucially, each winning team must allocate 15% of their prize to fund community projects within their local area.
“These thrilling parish finals across the island exemplify the power of cricket to unite parishes and drive positive social change,” said Mandel McKulsky, Public Relations Manager at the SDC. “We congratulate Race Course on their triumph and commend all participating teams for their exceptional spirit and skill. As we move to the national stage, we anticipate even greater displays of talent and community pride across the island.”
“The SDC has been doing a wonderful job with community development through cricket over the years,” said Krishmar Santokie, former West Indies cricketer and current Race Course CT player. “It inspires spectators and gives youngsters opportunities to play and be recognized. I hope they keep it up.”
Race Course Cricket Team advances to represent Clarendon in Group B for the SDC National Finals, starting June 22, 2025, with featured double-header matches at Jacks Hill in St. Mary. They join parish champions from across Jamaica including Group A teams; Richmond Park CT (Kingston & St. Andrew), Heartsease CT (St. Thomas), Bridgeport Super Sixers CT (St. Catherine); Group B – Wait-A-Bit CT (Trelawny), Comfort CT (Manchester), Junction Ballards Valley CT (St. Elizabeth); Group C – Buff Bay CT (Portland), Gayle CT (St. Mary), Orange Hill Test CT (St. Ann); Group D – Freeport CT (St. James), Logwood CT (Hanover), White House CT (Westmoreland). Three wildcard teams, Port Antonio Fire (Portland), May Pen Lions (Clarendon), and Orange St. James also qualify as the best runners-up nationally. All teams will compete for the national title and a share of over $1,000,000 in cash and prizes.
Santokie also expressed his hopes for Race Course’s national campaign, “I hope that we go all the way this year. We got some luck in the final, and I hope that luck continues so we can repeat our past success and bring the title home to Race Course, Clarendon in 2025.”
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