Lord’s, St David’s (Cleveland won toss): Cleveland County drew with St David’s

Cleveland County retained the Eastern Counties Cup after time ran out for St David’s in a rain-affected final on Saturday.

After rain caused a lengthy delay leading to a reduction of overs, St David’s captain OJ Pitcher made a bold declaration with his side on 147 for six in 30.3 overs. Guest player Macai Simmons led the way for the challengers with an unbeaten 50, while Cleveland captain Mackih McGowan took three for 45 to pick up the MVP accolade.

Cleveland had reached 90 for six in 35 overs when the cut-off time was reached, which means the Harris Bay club keep the trophy until next year.

McGowan was delighted that things worked out in their favour and they achieved something they last accomplished some years ago.

“We are excited to do it for the community because it’s been a long time coming,” McGowan told The Royal Gazette.

“Being patient was key for us. We also did it as a team, heads dropped for a moment when we dropped some catches because we felt we gave the game away a little bit.

“Unfortunately, the weather played a part and stopped cricket in the early sessions, but we were still able to play for the fans and we got a draw.

“When we saw the weather forecast and how the rules are set out, they benefit the team batting second, so that is why we put them in. If the weather was good, we would have probably gone in to bat first.

“I was not worried when they declared because it comes down to time, not the overs. We knew that if we batted well like our openers did in the last game, it would be tough to beat us.”

Pitcher was disappointed that the weather made a significant contribution in determining the result.

“Once again our match was affected by the rain, which played a big part in the outcome,” the St David’s captain said.

“I’ve got to give credit to my players, they put a lot of heart in. It was a difficult wicket batting early, but guys were able to put up a challenging total in a shorter period.

“We sent them in and took wickets. We created chances and dropped a few catches, which in the end probably cost us, but it’s all part of the game.

“If we had won the toss, we would have definitely sent them in to bat. In overcast conditions and a grassy pitch our plan was to send them in and then chase down whatever they got.

“We were still prepared to bat first because we knew if they won the toss, they would send us in.”

Rain forced the umpires to halt proceedings 3.1 overs into the St David’s innings. When the match eventually resumed, the team batting first were allotted 40 overs and the side going in second allocated 32.

Colt Nzari Paynter was trapped in front by McGowan to fall for six. Pitcher, who was looking to score the 34 runs he needed in pursuit of the 1,000-run milestone in the eastern classic, fell for one when he played a delivery from his opposite number straight to Makai Young at mid-on.

The St David’s captain, who will be 43 when his side contests the final next year after being drawn last, declared that he is not retiring before he gets to the mark. According to the draw, Cleveland will start their title defence against Bailey’s Bay, with the winner of that contest to face Flatts.

“I’ll definitely be back playing again next year,” Pitcher said.

“Because I’m so close, I can’t finish until I get it. Hopefully, I get it next year, I’ll keep the body in shape and make the sacrifice again for another year with the hope of getting to 1,000 runs and winning the trophy with the team.”

Jonté Smith chased a delivery going down leg and got an edge behind to become McGowan’s third wicket.

Chare Smith, who was brought up the order as a pinch-hitter, lasted for four balls before being cleaned up by Dion Stovell.

Ricardo Brangman Jr and Simmons upped the scoring in a 46-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Brangman, who was dropped by Zeri Tomlinson off McGowan’s eighth over when he was on six, took 18 runs off Shaki Darrell’s second over before trying to clear the boundary off the last ball of that over, only to pick out Treadwell Gibbons at long-off to depart for a 22-ball 33.

Simmons shared in an unbeaten 51-run partnership with Justin Pitcher, with the declaration coming as soon as the St George’s Cup Match vice-captain reached his half-century.

OJ shared his thoughts on what led to the declaration when St David’s still had a few overs remaining.

“It got to a point where we were actually looking at time, not the amount of overs,” he said.

“Once we had done the calculations and looked at the time, we knew that we were not going to get the allocated overs all in.

“We decided to get to a certain total as quickly as we can, come out and get them in, give ourselves the best opportunity possible to bowl them out. Unfortunately, it didn’t come off for us, but we fought hard and showed a lot of character, so I’m pleased with the team overall.”

Chare Smith created the first chance for St David’s when he induced Jason Anderson into an edge, but OJ Pitcher put down the catch at first slip.

Some sharp fielding from Aaron Paynter in the deep resulted in Gibbons being run out without scoring.

Jabari Darrell was dropped on eight at first slip by George O’Brien off Aaron Paynter. However, the bowler got his man shortly with Smith taking a low catch.

Nzari Paynter struck first ball when he had Tomlinson caught and bowled for a five-ball duck.

Aaron Paynter dropped Stovell on six at mid-on off an O’Brien delivery in what was the third opportunity put down by St David’s.

Brian Hall got Jason Anderson, Cleveland’s highest scorer with 29 runs, stumped. Justin Pitcher got McGowan caught behind, before Stovell was run out for 27, but there was not enough time for St David’s to get the remaining wickets.

Meanwhile, Derrick Brangman was named the Eastern Counties Cup Man of the Series and also picked up the Stanley Smith Trophy for Spinner of the Series. The Bay spinner finished with ten wickets in the competition this year.

In a presentation made during the tea break of the final, Duvante Binns, an up-and-coming cricketer from St David’s, received the Eastern Counties Junior Tournament Emerging Player Award.

The accolade was presented by St George’s Parish in memory of Bryan Russell Richardson, in recognition of his dedication, commitment and contribution to the Eastern Counties.

Richardson, a long-serving Bermuda cricket team manager, died in June last year at the age of 78.