Middlesex Dominate Surrey to Capture Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Title

Middlesex made sure there would be no repeat of last year’s shared title, overpowering Surrey by 10 wickets to win the 35th Kingston Wharves Under-15 Cricket Competition at the JDF Up Park Camp Cricket Ground last Friday.

Surrey, who batted first after winning the toss, appeared to be in control at 37 without loss before Middlesex’s disciplined bowling attack triggered a dramatic collapse.

They were eventually dismissed for just 73, with Ricardo Clarke top-scoring with 19 and captain Rajae McGeachy adding 12. Middlesex captain Andino Edwards was the chief destroyer, claiming an impressive six wickets for 13 runs from 9.1 overs, while Najae Wright took three for 27 from 10 overs.

Middlesex needed little time to wrap up the victory. They reached 74 without losing a wicket, with Daniel Wolliston scoring an unbeaten 36 and Jeremiah Johnson making 27.

The 10-wicket triumph avenged last year’s final, which ended in a shared trophy after bad light prevented further play.

Middlesex coach Oral Simpson praised his players for their preparation and execution.

“We have been preparing for this from we assembled as a Middlesex team. We spoke about what happened last year and we did our research,” Simpson said.

He explained that the team had specifically prepared for Surrey’s spin attack and was determined not to leave the final result to chance again.

Surrey coach Raymond Hart acknowledged Middlesex’s discipline, despite his team making a promising start.

“We started off well at 37 without loss and then the door just break off and everything just fell apart from there,” Hart said, while giving credit to Middlesex for consistently bowling in good areas.

The post-match awards ceremony saw players from both teams receive bursaries from Kingston Wharves for school expenses, along with knapsacks and water bottles. Two players also received full scholarships to their respective high schools.

Middlesex captain Andino Edwards was named MVP of the final and MVP of the winning team, while Surrey’s Rajae McGeachy was named MVP of the runner-up team.

Jeremiah Johnson claimed the award for most runs after accumulating 209 during the competition, while Surrey’s Ansel Crawford led the bowling charts with 23 wickets.

Jayden Newell of Muro College and Taviano Campbell of Black River High were the two scholarship recipients.

Kingston Wharves CEO Mark Williams said the scholarships were intended to recognise resilience and academic achievement, particularly among youngsters from western Jamaica who were affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The two-week camp at Manley Horne Park in St Elizabeth also featured mentorship sessions and a career day organised with the Jamaica Defence Force.

JDF Lieutenant Carl Budhoo described the programme as “very inspiring and fulfilling”, noting that the activities were designed to promote discipline while exposing youngsters to opportunities within the JDF.

Jamaica Cricket Association Cricket Operations Manager Oneil Cruickshank said the tournament produced improved performances this year. Four players scored centuries, while six bowlers claimed five-wicket hauls, with three achieving the feat twice.

JCA first vice-president Fritz Harris said selectors had identified players for Jamaica’s Under-13 and Under-15 squads through the programme.

The Under-15 squad is expected to compete in a regional tournament next year, while discussions are ongoing to arrange matches or a mini-tournament for the Under-13 players.

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