Eltham High's dominance of urban area cricket continued yesterday when they defeated Innswood High by 17 runs in the final of ISSA Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) limited- overs cricket competition at Melbourne Oval.

In a close and exciting affair watched by ardent cricket fans and well-wishers, Eltham first made 174-9 off their allotted 46 overs, with the in-form Joseph Dennie getting 52, Oshane Baugh 24, and national Under-19 pacer Romeo Dunca 22. Off-spinner Jermaine Williams claimed 3-18.

Innswood in reply were then bowled out for 157 off 45.2 overs. Kemal Foster, who came to crease with the losers reeling with two wickets down and no run on the board, made 51. Off-spinner Romeo Parker took 3-24.

"It means a lot to us. We were up against a very tough opponent. But the boys believed in themselves," said a delighted Oral Simpson, coach of Eltham, who were gaining their fourth-straight hold on the title.

failed to score

"I must commend the Under-16s as four or five of our top batsmen failed to score and it was they who gave us a fighting chance. It's now on to the league final where one will see Eltham play a much better game than we did today," Simpson promised.

Eltham stayed on course to cop their fourth league and knockout out double.

They will now turn their attention to the Grace Shield final, which is scheduled for April 6, 7 and 8, also at Melbourne Oval, where their opponent will once again be Innswood. Both teams hail from the outskirts of Spanish Town.

Innswood coach Nieve McNally said poor application led to his team's downfall.

"The batsmen did not stick to the plan. After losing two early wickets without a run on the board, our middle order needed to come to the fore, but they didn't. We just need to correct this for the Grace Shield final as I believe we have the team to beat them," said McNally.