Jamaica Cricket Association president, Paul Campbell (right), presents the 2009 Jamaica SuperCricket League Trophy to Gary Graham (third left), captain of the Manchester team, after they defeated Hanover at Jarrett Park, Montego Bay, yesterday to lift the title. - photo BY Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Manchester captured the coveted 2009 Jamaica SuperCricket League when they defeated Hanover by an innings and 20 runs yesterday in their crucial final round game at Jarrett Park, Montego Bay, to pocket the whopping $1-million winner's purse.

"We are absolutely elated," said Gary Graham, captain of the victorious Manchester team. "We won the title four years ago and winning again this year means Manchester's cricket is on the right path."

In a low-scoring game, Manchester were ruthless in first dismissing Hanover for a mere 16 runs in 10 overs and after replying with 68 for two wickets declared to secure first innings points, they returned to blow away Hanover for 32 in their second knock, snatching an easy win.

"I want to congratulate you (Manchester) for winning this title," said Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president, Paul Campbell. "It has been quite a challenging season in many ways but in the end, I believe cricket emerged the winner."

Contentious matters

While not specifically mentioning the controversy sparked by the JCA's handling of the Maurice Kepple affair, which angered officials of both Melbourne CC and St Catherine CC, Campbell said contentious matters should be addressed inside the boardroom and not on the field of play.

"When teams go out on the field of play, cricket should come first," Campbell said. "There are avenues to deal with problems and on the field is definitely not one of them."

Kepple, who played six games for Manchester, was deemed ineligible for the game after it was discovered that his transfer to the parish team was in breach of competition rules.

Although Manchester were fined a record $300,000, points were not deducted from the games in which he played,a decision which also went against the competition's rules.

"We basically did not get too involved in that matter with Kepple, we allowed the JCA to deal with it," said skipper Graham. "The JCA made its ruling and we abide by it."

Development programme

In an effort to keep the sheen on their championship success, veteran administrator Danny Senior, the senior manager of the Manchester team, said their success was the result of a fabulous development programme.

"Manchester have been winning national cricket at all levels. We have won Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and, in fact, this year we also won the Junior Cup," Senior said. "Our programme is an exceptional one and is largely due to the work being done by people like Barry Watson, the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) officer for the parish, why we are reaping success." >