By all accounts , the 2026 Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 officially begun in riveting style ,with expectations for a promising and exciting season ahead.
The sixth edition of the SPL T20 launched on Friday at Mindoo Phillip Park, featuring a brief opening ceremony attended by representatives from the eight participating teams, officials from the Ministry of Sports, SPL personnel, and corporate sponsors.
The weekend’s highlight was the tournament’s first century, scored by Tarrique Edward of the Gros Islet Knights, along with two matches featuring scores exceeding 250 runs.
On Sunday, cricket fans witnessed dynamic batting performances at the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds. Tarrique Edward, a West Indies Under-19 player, was the standout performer, leading his team to an impressive total of 274 for 5. Edward played a masterful innings of 111 not out off 53 balls, hitting 5 fours and 11 sixes against the Mon Repos Pioneers. He received valuable support from Dillon Douglas, who scored 40 off 16 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), Simeon Gerson with 29 off 15 (1 four, 3 sixes), Lee John who made 26 off 8 (4 sixes), and Tyrel Chicot with 23 off 7 (1 four, 3 sixes).
At one point, the Gros Islet Knights were at 150 for 4 in 14.1 overs when Edward launched an aggressive assault on the Mon Repos bowlers, gracefully and effortlessly sending balls to and over the boundary as he powered on to a belligerent century.
Zinakki Louis was the lead bowler for Mon Repos, claiming 2 for 64 in 4 overs, while Christian Charlery was the most economical bowler with 1 for 38 in 4 overs.
In response, Mon Repos managed 186 for 9, resulting in a significant 88-run victory for Gros Islet. Keon Gaston top-scored for Mon Repos with 58 off 31 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes), followed by Micah Naitram with 31 off 17 and Christian Charlery contributing 25 off 24.
Edward shone with the ball as well, taking 3 for 26 in 4 overs, with Dillon Douglas and Darvin Forde both contributing economical performances.
Earlier in the day at the FBLG, the Babonneau Leatherbacks showcased their dominance in Match # 4, overpowering the Choiseul Craft Masters by a staggering 141 runs. Babonneau amassed an impressive 253 for 4 in 20 overs, with Khan Elcock leading the charge with a blistering 79 off 43 balls, while Shervon Joseph added a rapid 65 from just 27 deliveries.
Choiseul struggled in response, bowled out for 112 in 13.2 overs. Jason Simon top-scored with 35 off 15 balls, while David Livingstone contributed 32 from 25. Babonneau’s bowlers were formidable, with Joshua Mann claiming 6 for 31 and Khan Elcock adding 3 for 21. Results from the weekend matches are as follows: Saturday:
City Blasters 185/8 vs. Micoud Eagles 174/7
City Blasters won by 11 runs.
Mon Repos Pioneers 164/7 vs. Soufriere Titans 166/1 Soufriere Titans won by 9 wickets.
Friday:
Babonneau Leatherbacks 128/8 vs. South Castries Lions 129/5
South Castries Lions won by 5 wickets.
As the season progresses, the stage is set for more thrilling action in this year’s SPL T20 series!
[R.A].
