After a month of competitive matches, the inaugural Cayman National Under-16 Cricket Tournament concluded with John Gray High School winning the girls’ competition and the Clifton Hunter boys taking the trophy in their matchup.
Despite overnight rain and a delayed start, the girls' final took place on 26 May at the Smith Road Oval, where John Gray High School defeated St. Ignatius Catholic School by eight wickets.
In the rain-shortened 12-over contest, St. Ignatius posted 86 for 5, with Mica Solas top scoring with nine runs. Daniqua Howell and Samaya Thomas led the John Gray bowling attack with two wickets each.
John Gray successfully chased the target, reaching 87 for 2 in 10.5 overs. Samaya Thomas top scored with 19, while Daniqua Howell remained unbeaten on 16. Mica Solas and Shilo Wright claimed a wicket apiece for St. Ignatius.
Mica Solas from St. Ignatius took the coveted Player Of The Tournament Award as well as the Most Tournament Wickets and Best Tournament Fielder awards. Other prizes presented were:
· Player of Match – Samaya Thomas, John Gray High School
· Most Runs of the Tournament – Tillie Lomas, Cayman Prep
· Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament – Jasmine Frederick, Clifton Hunter High School
"I am incredibly proud of this group of young ladies and what they have accomplished. Throughout the tournament they demonstrated tremendous dedication, teamwork and resilience, and they rose to the occasion when it mattered most. To secure John Gray High School's first-ever girls' cricket title is a historic achievement and one that the players have truly earned through their hard work and commitment,” said John Gray Coach Carla McGarvey-Blair who was supported by Assistant Coach Chase Myrie throughout the tournament.
The next day, the boys' final delivered an exciting contest with Clifton Hunter High School defeating St. Ignatius Catholic School by 35 runs.
Batting first, Clifton Hunter posted 132 for 6 from their 20 overs, led by Dahavion Codner with 36 runs and Johann Smith with 31. Sachin Baxani was the pick of the St. Ignatius bowlers with two wickets.
In reply, St. Ignatius finished on 97 for 9 from their 20 overs. Dahavion Codner and Joshua Lawrence led the Clifton Hunter bowling attack, claiming three wickets each.
Dahavion Codner of Clifton Hunter was awarded Player of the Tournament, Player of the Match and Most Runs of the Tournament. Other prizes presented were:
· Most Wickets of the Tournament – Johann Smith, Clifton Hunter High School
· Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament – Toby Davies, St. Ignatius Catholic
· Best Fielder of the Tournament – Dylan Jones, St. Ignatius Catholic
"The boys played with confidence today and fully deserved the result. They executed our game plan well and supported one another throughout the match. This was a true team effort and a fitting reward for the commitment they have shown throughout the competition,” said Clifton Hunter Coach Oral Wilshire. Assistant Coach Nicardo Standbury was also on hand and providing support throughout the tournament.
"Cayman National Bank is proud to support opportunities that encourage young people to develop their skills, build confidence and experience the value of teamwork. Through our partnership with Cayman Cricket and the Power to Make a Difference programme, we are helping to strengthen school cricket and create meaningful experiences for student-athletes across the Cayman Islands,” said Joel Chadha, Cayman National Senior Legal Counsel. “Congratulations to this year's champions, as well as every player, coach and school that participated in the tournament. The commitment and sportsmanship displayed throughout the competition have been truly inspiring."
"On behalf of the Cayman Islands Cricket Association, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Cayman National Bank for their continued commitment to youth cricket in the Cayman Islands. Tournaments like this don't happen without partners who genuinely believe in the power of sport to shape young lives, and Cayman National has been exactly that kind of partner,” said Alessandro Morris, President, Cayman Islands Cricket Association. “Seeing over a hundred young men and women compete with such skill, passion and sportsmanship over the past month has been a reminder of why we do this work. The standard of cricket on display — from both boys and girls — gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our national programme. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and to watching today's champions go on to represent the Cayman Islands on the regional and international stage."
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