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Under-15s upset champs to claim knockout crown

Photo by Tamell SimonsBermuda under-15s v Police.Under-15 wicketkeeper Cjristain Burgess looks on as Police batsman Anthony Scott is bowled by Dante Wellman at Shelly Bay during Saturday's final.

Bermuda's Under-15 national team, boosted by Shea Pitcher's 50, upset league champions Police to win the Evening League's Second Division knockout final by six wickets in impressive fashion at Shelly Bay.

The Under-15s restricted Police to 102 for eight in their 20 overs and then knocked off the runs with four overs to spare.

In the Premier Division final, league champions Tuff Dogs overpowered The Associates to win by five wickets, also with four overs to spare.

Pitcher, who took two wickets on top of his half-century, earned the man of the match award.

Under-15s coach Grant Smith said: "Shea and Kamau Leverock had a big stand which set up the victory. We didn't play Police in the league but our boys were in confident mood in the final."

The youngsters finished third in the league in their first season in the EL despite having to forfeit two matches while playing overseas.

Gordon Campbell (38) and Brook Logan (28) were the leading scorers in The Associates' 102 for six after they had been sent in but two dropped catches proved costly as Tuff Dogs raced to victory.

Man of the match Samitha Ranaweera led the way for Tuff Dogs with an unbeaten 31 from 16 balls while Kavitharan Selvarajah made 25.

Pick of The Associates' attack were Gene Foggo, with three for 29, and Dennis Cherry, who took two for seven.

Sumedha Assalaratchy, the club's leading wicket-taker this season, was Tuff Dogs' best bowler with two for 19.

"We went into the final with six pace bowlers, which has provided a formidable attack this season," said Tuff Dogs' skipper and opening batsman Eshan Sandanayake, who laid the foundation for victory by making 16 from 22 balls.

"The bowlers, backed up by some excellent wicket-keeping and good fielding, kept the pressure and took wickets at regular intervals."

Associates' skipper Alistair McNeish admitted his side's total was 30 below what they had hoped for after losing the toss.

"We lost a couple of quick wickets and the ship was then steadied by Gordon Campbell and Jerry Callender, supported by Brook Logan, but, despite batting well, in the face of a very spirited and accurate attack and good out-fielding, we didn't post the130 or so we really needed.

"We contained them to 50 for three at the ten-overs point with Gene Foggo, supported by some good outfielding and catches in the deep, taking three wickets.

"However, going in to the second ten overs, our total was always in jeopardy and they had wickets in hand. Dennis Cherry took two wickets at the death. If we had held the two catches we dropped in overs 13 and 14 it may have made things uncomfortable for them," added McNeish.

Sandanayake praised organiser Stephen West, who has run the EL for close to 25 years.

"We found the organisation of the tournament to be excellent.

"The preparation and the conducting of the finals was a prime example of that.

"A lot of thought and effort had gone into ensuring the right atmosphere was set and good cricket played in the right spirit was rewarded.

"It has been exciting for us not only to be a part of the finals but also to play in the league as a whole," added Sandanayake.