Sport

Jermaine Lannaman,Gleaner Writer

Innswood claimed their first urban area ISSA/Grace Shield Premier League title, after scoring an outright victory over Eltham High in the final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

Eltham had won the title on the previous five occasions.

Innswood, resuming the final day of the three-day encounter needing nine wickets to put their name in the history books, achieved their target shortly after lunch after dismissing Eltham for 164 - a mammoth 232 runs in arrears.

Eltham had earlier made 124 in their first innings, while Innswood scored 198 and 322 in both innings.

Innswood, competing in their third Under-19 season, were beaten in the final last year by Eltham.

"Words are inadequate to describe one's true feelings," said Innswood coach Kirk Gordon, almost speechless amid wild celebrations. "Knowing that we needed nine wickets, the boys again applied themselves and I am really proud."

He added: "It's the beginning of what we hope will be greater things to come. I must thank the principal and school community who have been backing us from day one."

lacklustre performance

Needing 392 runs to pull off what would have been a dramatic win, and resuming at 4-1, Eltham failed to get the start they wanted and fell to 50-4.

Bowling with a sling action and extracting pace, Michail Powell claimed 2-36 to go along with his 4-20 in the first innings. Off-spinner Peat Salmon, 3-41, and Marshall March, 2-32, then combined to hasten Eltham's demise.

Eltham's top two batsmen, captain Kino-Paul Sailsman and Joseph Dennie, made 23 and 27, respectively, while lower-order batsmen Jevon Innis and Oshani Ricketts chipped in with 25 and 26.

"It was one of our worst games of the season. We didn't bat as well as we could and in the field we were lacklustre," said Eltham's Sailsman.

"I must congratulate Innswood for their batting and bowling over the three days."

Innswood will now turn their attention to the urban area knockout and all-island play-off.