St Pius RC repeat as Atlantic LNG champ
June 12, 2009

St Pius RC Primary School emerged as champion of the premier Super League Division of the Atlantic LNG National Primary Schools Cricket League for the second straight year.

It easily defeated Guayaguayare RC Primary School by eight wickets in the final at the University of T&T (UTT) ground in O’Meara on Friday.

St Pius, who won its first championship title as a newcomer to the Super League last year, ownedits victory primarily to incisive bowling which reduced Guayaguayare to a paltry 52 all out in 18 overs.

After winning the toss and batting, Guyaguayare lost wickets at regular intervals, with only opener Sheldon Wilson and Gideon Thomas, who both scored 12, reaching double figures. The main contribution came from wides which totalled 14.

Nathaniel Mc David was virtually unplayable for the defending champion, taking three wickets for nine runs from four overs. He got good support from Kerron Simmons (2 for 8), Jeremiah Taylor (2 for 19) and Keagan Simmons (1 for 13).

Although losing two early wickets, St Pius overcame its jitters and coasted to victory on 53 for 2, with eventual Man-of-the-Match, Keagan Simmons, 19 not out, and Shaquille Mc David, 16 not out, taking them to the finish line.

Scores of students, teachers, parents and village supporters swarmed the field to congratulate the St Pius team when the winning run was hit.

For winning teacher/coach Sylvester Sandiford, it was hard work and proper planning which led to St Pius’ second consecutive victory.

“We are always grooming our young players to take over when the seniors leave school. We have a development programme where we groom our players from an early stage. Today’s victory is the result of that programme. The boys played according to our game plan and we are very proud of them,” added Sylvester, who was assisted in coaching duties by Brendon Serrette.

Coach of Guayaguayare, Lestyn Arjoon, admitted that his team was outplayed in the final, but was also proud of the effort from the players to reach so far in the competition. Arjoon shared coaching duties with Michael Steele.

After the match, Gervon Abraham, sustainability officer, Atlantic LNG Company of T&T, commended both teams for reaching the final of the league and playing the match in true sportsmanlike manner.

“You are a credit to the league, your schools and the game of cricket. Atlantic LNG is proud to be associated with the primary schools league and we are looking ahead to another successful season next year,” Abraham added.

Anthony Ramjit, president of the National Primary Schools Cricket League (NPSCL), thanked Atlantic LNG for its continued support of primary school cricket which has grown tremendously since the energy company partnered with the league in 2004. Ramjit also commended league officials, teachers, coaches, parents, umpires and supporters who made the season a memorable one.