Monday promises to be a day to remember, as the protagonists are now decided for the final act of the 2025 Ministry of Youth Development and Sports Schools’ Under-19 50-Over Boys’ Cricket Tournament. Saint Lucia Sports Academy will face Sir Arthur Lewis Community College at the Gros Islet Playing Field with the title on the line. Both teams are unbeaten.
SLSA earned a 93-run semifinal win over Choiseul Secondary School on Wednesday at the Gros Islet Playing Field. Batting first, SLSA piled on an impressive 210-8 in just 35 overs. Nathaniel Joseph was immense, smashing 51 runs with nine boundaries at an electrifying strike rate of 104.08. Other useful contributions came from Zinakki Louis (48), Clint Dickson (unbeaten on 31), and Kyle Stephen (17).
Choiseul’s bowlers fought valiantly. Ethan Thomas stood out as a force to be reckoned with, claiming an incredible five wickets for 47 runs. Kerlan Daniel (2-40) and Xavi Agdomar (1-48) chipped in to keep their team’s hopes alive.
When it came to the chase, Choiseul started strong with a blazing 83-run partnership between captain Jermian Thomas and Samuel Jean. Thomas’s knock of 57 included seven fours and three towering sixes, whilst Jean added 17 for the first wicket.
But Soufrière native Sheldon Willie stole the show, unleashing a mind-blowing career-best performance of seven wickets for just 11 runs, bowling medium pace from the player’s pavilion end. Zinakki Louis wrapped things up with 3-37, crushing Choiseul’s dreams of a comeback.
Choiseul’s champions were dismissed for 117 in just 18 overs. Thomas and Jean were the only batters to get into double figures.
“The conditions and the pitch were very good,” said SLSA skipper Louis. “Our team showed strong teamwork and good communication while batting and bowling. Our batting was solid, but we could have accelerated the scoring in the middle overs. Some key partnerships were formed, but we failed to convert starts into big scores, which put pressure on the lower order.
“Our opening bowlers did not perform the way they had to. However, our spinners and the medium-pace bowlers got the breakthrough.”
For SALCC, captain Leon Alexander is laser-focused on retention. He is one of the few players with over 250 runs in this competition. Teammates Tyler Venner, Khan Elcock, and Zhanni Joseph also feature on that elite list. Alexander and Venner each have two centuries to their names. Willie’s spell of 7-11 for SLSA virtually mirrored the 7-14 Darvin Forde took for SALCC in round-robin play.
“Going into the final, my main focus is keeping the team ready physically, mentally and strategically,” said Alexander. “We’ve been undefeated so far, and that’s not by luck. We’ve worked hard, stayed disciplined, and played as a unit.
“This new opponent has proven themselves, but so have we. The plan is to start strong, control, and adapt where necessary. Most importantly, we’re going in with confidence, not complacency. It’s about execution, composure, and leaving everything on the field, ensuring that we defend the title.”
Monday will see some of the island’s top young cricketers, several of whom have represented Saint Lucia and even the Windward Islands at age-group competition, lining up and putting their best foot forward for a chance to lift the 2025 championship trophy.
With SLSA’s explosive form and SALCC’s formidable reputation, the stage is set for what should be an unforgettable cricketing clash.
