Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL shrugged off the disappointment of not winning last year's Headley Cup to claim the first senior schoolboy cricket title this year - the inaugural Grace/JIIC Rural knockout title over Vere at STETHS on Wednesday.

Holmwood, led by Sean Bennett in the absence of Andre Coley who is on West Indies duties overseas, won the toss and proceeded to put his stamp on the day's proceedings with a knock of 99, as his side posted 276 for five off their alloted 50 overs. Other significant scores came from Takim Lowe (51) and opener Anthard Hamilton (41).

After losing their first five wickets for 44 runs, Vere recovered briefly but again fell apart from 106 for five to 131 all out in 33 overs, to lose by a whopping 145 runs.

Holmwood's opening partnership between Marlon Pinnock and Hamilton yielded 39 runs, and by the time Bennett entered the fray at 101 for two, an excellent platform had been set. He proceeded to hit seven fours and a six while sharing in a partnership of 65 with Jermaine Blackwood. Bennett was eventually bowled by Vere's best player on the day, Renico Smith, just short of what would have been a remarkable century with the score well advanced at 239.

Impossible target

The large total and the prospect of deteriorating weather conditions virtually made the target impossible, and the one major concern was whether the 20 overs needed to constitute a contest was available.

In any case, Vere lost wickets regularly with the first at 11, then at 17, 32 and 44. Smith (42) then provided a rearguard action with a 62-run partnership with Oraine Francis (26) and when that was ended at 106, the end came quickly.

Rohan McLeod bowled the most overs (nine) for the victors and took the most wickets - a good haul of three for 21. He was backed up by Denroy Boothe (2-17 off five overs) with Bennett, Blackwood and Marlon Gayle getting one each.