Delray Rawlins demonstrated why he was chosen as Bermuda’s Junior Male Athlete of the Year after thumping an aggressive half-century in the South’s convincing 63-run triumph over the North at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados yesterday.

Less than 24 hours after winning the award, the 20-year-old Bermudian all-rounder cut loose with a whirlwind innings of 53 from 41 balls.

Rawlins struck five boundaries and two sixes and brought up his half century in style by smashing leg spinner Matt Parkinson down the ground for six.

The left-handed batsman, who batted at No 5, also featured in a 60 run partnership with wicketkeeper John Simpson during his chanceless innings before he was bowled by seam bowler Saqib Mahmood.

“I just felt really good,” Rawlins told The Royal Gazette. “Everything just clicked and came off pretty well.”

Among those in attendance at the Test ground were Rawlins’s parents, Millard and Denise, who watched on proudly from the stands as their son grasped his moment to shine on the big stage with both hands.

“It was really nice to have them there because obviously they miss a lot of my cricket,” Rawlins added.

As for his award, Rawlins said: “I was quite surprised, but really pleased.”

The South piled up 347 all out after being sent to bat.

Man of the Match Nicholas Gubbins belted 116 from 99 balls and shared in a 134-run opening stand with Daniel Bell-Drummond, who gathered an equally brisk 52 from 53 balls. Gubbins, who struck nine boundaries and three sixes, also added a further 52 runs with captain Sam Northeast before a late slide saw the South lose their last five wickets for 28 runs after Rawlins departed in the 45th over.

Mahmood took five for 60 to lead the North attack while fellow seam bowler Keaton Jennings claimed two for 34.

The North struggled to keep up with the run rate up against some tight bowling and were eventually dismissed for 284 in the 48th over.

Steven Mullaney, the captain, top scored with 57 from 40 before he was caught by Rawlins at point off the bowling of left-arm seam bowler Tom Barber.

Mullaney was one of three wickets that fell with no addition to the score during a late slide that saw the North’s last five wickets fall for 24 runs.

Sam Curran, the left-arm seam bowler, took three for 51 and Dominic Bess, the off-spinner, three for 61 to lead the South attack. Paul Walter, the left-arm seam bowler, claimed two for 45 with the new ball.

Rawlins went for 27 runs in the six overs he bowled with his left-arm spin.

The South can clinch the three-game series with victory over the North at the same venue on Wednesday. The third and final match of the series will be held two days later also at Kensington.