Bayley’s survives!

It was quite a scare for three-time defending champions Bayley’s Primary, but miserly bowling by Demarko Wiggins and a parade of Good Shepherd wickets in the final overs ensured that the Guardian Group Herman Griffith Schools Cricket competition juggernauts will be in the final next week.

No team has brought Bayley’s this close to defeat in years, but Good Shepherd came to earn their way into the Guardian Group Herman Griffith Schools Cricket competition final. The exciting match took place at the Briar Hall ground with both teams having plenty of support from their fellow schoolmates and supporters. Bayley’s won the toss and decided to bat. Demarko Wiggins opened the innings, settled himself and played to a steady 21 runs to keep his side in the match but no other batsman made it into double figures. The Good Shepherd supporters cheered as Bayley’s were restricted to 101 all out in 23.4 overs and the chance of taking down the defending champions was in the air. Azaria Benskin was again in the mix taking 3 wickets for 12 runs and with the help of Aaron Harris and Jaquan Williams who both claimed 2 wickets each, gave Good Shepherd a good opportunity to win.

The Bayley’s supporters were chanting and talking and one even said “Never count out Bayley’s” but many looked shaken at the low tally of their team. The Good Shepherd openers did nothing to ease those fears as they started the innings confidently, taking the score to 18 before the first wicket fell. Rashad Allman then walked to the crease with the task of steadying the ship and pushing Good Shepherd to the final. Allman ran well between the wickets and hit 4 fours on his way to 36 runs. Allman and Aaron Harris took the score to 60 for 1 after 14 overs and Good Shepherd were poised for victory.

Up stepped Wiggins of Bayley’s but this time with the ball. Allman took his time and watched the ball on the bat but he could not get the ball away past the fielders. Between Over 14 and Over 17, Good Shepherd scored only 2 runs and the pressure started to build. Harris started to swing the bat in an attempt to push the pace of the run chase but was clean bowled by Wiggins. Javon Batson then took 2 wickets in consecutive balls and Good Shepherd slid from 73 for 2 to 77 for 5. Allman tried to change his batting style and attempted to slogging route but could only hit the ball along the ground to the waiting fielders on the boundary. Singles were not going to cut it at that late stage and Bayley’s snuck home, with Good Shepherd stuck on 92 for 5 as the overs ran out.

Bayley’s Primary will be looking to have the name of the school written in the history books again with 4 straight championship wins but St. Stephen’s Primary are ready and willing to dethrone them. (AS)