By Samuel Peters
With little rain interruption over the past weekend, compared to previous weeks, the Cool and Smooth Sherma Jackson Mandy Premier League resumed on Sunday with four exciting matches with playoff implications adding extra drama to the proceedings.
League leaders Zamine Shipping who played unbeaten in this year’s edition of the MPL, secured their automatic semifinals berth with a commanding eighth-wicket victory over Buck and Sons Landscaping Services who, despite the loss, have also clinched their semifinals spot with 50 points from their seven games.
In the chase of 59, Zamine’s Tyrone Williams Jr spearheaded the chase with 26, supported by Kim George‘s 19, reaching 64 for two in eight overs. Buck and Sons managed only 58 for 5, with Denley Thomas (19) and Elroy Francis Jr (14) being the main contributors.
The second match of the day saw Construction Solutions demonstrate dominance by posting 96 for three in a reduced eight overs game against ABDF. Clarence Francis top-scored with 25, while Kerique Mentore (20) and Melvin Charles (16) provided solid support. ABDF’s reply fell short at 55/4, despite Vaughn Charles‘s valiant 23, resulting in a 41-run defeat.
The third match saw ABDF bounce back with a 15-run victory over Grill Box AGSPT. Defending a modest 69/7, with Vaughn Charles (15) and Tron Payne (13) being the key scorers, ABDF’s bowlers, particularly Almoy Webster three for 14, restricted Grill Box to 55 for eight. Kurt Douglas‘ unbeaten 18 proved insufficient for Grill Box.
The day’s final match featured Debra George claiming the first-ever hat-trick of the MPL by a female player, finishing with impressive figures of three for six. Her remarkable bowling performance helped TG Welding defend their total of 84 for eight, built around George Elvin‘s outstanding 41. PEL Mix Stars were bowled out for 42, giving TG Welding a convincing 42-run victory.
Players of the games were awarded to Tyrone Williams/Sacha Michael, Clarence Francis/Jenny Scott, Almoy Webster/Carla Weatherhead, and George Elvin/Debra George across the four matches, respectively.
The playoff format will see the fourth and fifth-placed teams battle for the right to face the top-seeded team in one semifinal, while the third and sixth-placed teams will compete for a chance to face the second-placed team in the other semifinal.
With Zamine Shipping and Buck and Sons already securing the top two spots, the remaining teams will fight for their playoff positioning in the upcoming matches next weekend.
