THRILLING FINALS CAME DOWN TO LAST BALL
DISCOVERY BAY, St Ann; March 20, 2025
In a nail-biting finish that went down to the last ball, Portland won the Jamaica Teachers’ Association T-20 cricket, beating many time winners, defending champions St Catherine.
The finals were played at the Ultimate Sports Ground, Discovery Bay, St Ann. Scores were: St Catherine 127, St Mary 129 for 5. Top scorer for St Catherine was Shane Cole 31. Portland’s top scorer was Herman Henry with 62. Cricket lovers, one after the other told the North Coast Times it was one of the most enjoyable matches they had seen for a long time.
(Odane Bennett hit the winning run) ( Captain Carl Brissett gets a congratulatory pat on the shoulder after his innings came to an end)
Portland started a slow but steady response to the St Catherine score and picked up their scoring in the 14th over. St Catherine, who were holding them on a slower run rate, lost their way with two dropped catches. Still, Portland stumbled with a beautiful runout and the loss of captain Carl Brissett who had steadied the innings.
It came down to the final over with Portland needing four runs from six balls. When the last ball was being bowled, Portland required two runs to win. Odane Bennett scored the winner, a knick over the top and with the St Catherine fielder slipping, the ball raced to the boundary. It sent the grey clad Portland supporters and cricketers onto the field in wild celebration.
(Portland winners of Teachers T-20 cricket)
Among the spectators for the thrilling final were Secretary General Mark Nicely, President Mark Smith, at least two other past presidents, and a visitor from Education International (EI) Angelo Gabrielatos.
