As a result of COVID-19, countries around the world are adhering to strict protocols when hosting sporting events. The National Basketball Association in the United States of America, for instance, is currently playing in a “bubble” with no fans and frequent testing for COVID-19. The same can be said for the USA’s national pastime, baseball and American football. To a much lesser extent the Caribbean is no exception.
Saint Lucia has its own policy when it comes to sports and COVID-19, but with the low number of cases it is not as stringent as other countries. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet recently announced during a national televised address that as of Monday July 10, tournaments, sporting events and contact sports will be allowed, including allowances for up to 200 spectators who must socially distance.
With that in mind, officials at The Eagle Freight Adventist Premiere League (APL) T20 tournament — which bowled off on July 18 at the Balata Playing Field— received the approval from the CMO’s office on July 3, in accordance with the protocols. As a result, a comprehensive protocol was put in place to stage Saturday’s tournament which began with an opening ceremony at 7:30 pm, followed by a match between defending champions Mount Olives of Grande Riviere and Rising Stars from Ciceron.
At the opening ceremony, with representatives from various teams in attendance, there were brief remarks from Leslie Jn Baptiste, an official from sponser Eagle Freight and Brokerage; President of the St Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA), Carol Henry; Youth Director of the SDA Church, Richard Randolph; and APL Chairman, Cyrus Cepal. This is the seventh year of APL Cricket and the tournament has grown bigger each year to include more invitational teams around the island.
Following are the objectives of APL: “To proclaim the gospel message through Sports Evangelism; provide the opportunity for Youth and Senior Youth to exhibit their cricketing skills in a Christ-like setting; foster fellowship and collaboration among Churches and Districts and the large community; provide the opportunity for church teams and community clubs to engage meaningfully in cricket at a friendly competitive level.”
Structure of Tournament: The 2020 edition boasts a total of 23 teams which are placed into two divisions. The top 11 teams form Division 1 and the other 12, Division 2. The teams have been further divided into two groups in each Division. Matches are played Sundays from 10:30 am and 2:30 pm and during the week from 6:30 pm.
Knockout round: The top four teams of each group will proceed to the quarter final stage. The winners will meet in semifinals followed by the final.
Awards and Prizes: Possible Recognitions (tokens or certificates) at the closing ceremony, includes: Highest Score in an Inning, Most Runs, Half Century and Century; Most Fours and Sixes; Best Average, Best Strike Rate, Most Wickets, Most wickets in one Inning, Hat-trick, Most Economical, Most Maidens, Most Catches, Most Dismissals by a Keeper, MVP of the Tournament, MVP of Final, Junior MVP (16 years and under).
Results of the opening round of matches played Sunday in Division One: United Raiders CC (URCC) defeated Mon Repos by 125 runs. Run total: URCC 197, Mon Repos 72. The Man of the Match was Glenn Eurysthee of URCC. He scored the first half century (51) and dismissed one for four in two overs.
Division Two results: Carro’s Kitchen Strikers (CKS) defeated All Start Stars by 44 runs. Run Total: CKS 152, All Start Stars 98. Man of the Match was Lance Joseph of CKS. In addition to his 40 at bat he dismissed two for six in four overs.
In the second game in Division Two, North Eastern Vet (NE Vet) won that match against Vanard by 32 runs. Run Total: NE Vet 139, Vanard 97. Fancius Charles (NE Vet) was the Man of the Match having scored 34 runs and bowling figures of three for 17 in four overs.
In the final of the day (Division Two), Babonneau Mini Bus and NIC played an exciting and tense match. In the end Mini Bus prevailed winning by two wickets in 15 overs. Run Total: Mini Bus 67, NIC 66. Man of the Match was T Abraham (Mini Bus) with a patient 22.
