Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Albert Corcho (left), chairman of the ISSA Urban Area Cricket League, presents the all-island trophy to Deval Green, captain of St Elizabeth Technical, following their 57-run win over Eltham, yesterday, at Chedwin Park. Clive Legister (right), coach of STETHS, looks on. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) successfully retained their All-island Spaulding Cup schoolboy cricket title yesterday by defeating Grace Shield winners Eltham by 57 runs at Chedwin Park.

Finals scores: STETHS 125 (Paul Palmer Jr 4l; Kavin Bonner 2-8, Shawn Headlam 2-26, Romeo Dunca 2-37) and 187 (Nick Blackwood 89, Palmer 21); Eltham 110 (Fredrick Hermitt 30, Shane Harris 28; Shawn Leslie 3-18, McKoy Ewart and Richard Simpson 2-19 each) and 145.

Resuming at 13 for one, Eltham lost overnight batsman Keino Salesman, caught off medium pacer Deval Green for 16 at 25 for two. Then, Joseph Dennie went to pacer Shawn Leslie without scoring to continue the slide.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, only Shane Harris (27), Romeo Parker (25) and Oshane Baugh (18) managed to get among the runs for the Spanish Town side. Left-arm spinner Linton Buchanan took 5-45 and Green 2-24.

Delighted coach

Clive Legister, coach of STETHS, was delighted with his team's victory.

"I think it was a very tough game because I think the Eltham team played very well. I think it was a very hard three days of cricket but in the end my guys wanted it the most," Legister said.

"I don't think it was a negative approach by the Eltham team; they knew they were up against a very tough team," he said.

"I believe that they batted fairly well but we bowled and fielded exceptionally well.

Oral Simpson, coach of Eltham, said: "When we lost the four quick wickets after lunch, things went wrong for our game, because we had a plan coming into today's final day and we had set some targets for each session.

"After the first session we were well on our way but things just went downhill for us," he said.

"I am very proud of my team because I think they fought STETHS gallantly over the three days and I must congratulate all the players on their performance. We might not be the winner but, trust me, I am proud of my players."