Match Report: NCA Under-16s Edge Easterns in Thrilling Two-Wicket Victory
By Vijay Harrinarain
ET Willet Park, Charlestown, Nevis | June 6, 2026
2026 Bank of Nevis 40-Over Season – Division 2
The NCA Under-16 team secured a nerve-jangling two-wicket victory over Easterns Cricket Club on Saturday at ET Willet Park, successfully chasing down a target of 175 in 34.5 overs.
Easterns Burst Out of the Blocks
Easterns, having won the toss and elected to bat, came out firing. Openers Hosea Pluck and Jevon Manners took the attack to the NCA Under-16 bowlers from the outset, compiling a punishing 100-run opening partnership that threatened to put the match beyond reach.
Manners was particularly aggressive early on, reaching his half-century in just 33 balls by the ninth over before departing for 51. Pluck matched his partner stride for stride, bringing up his own fifty in the 13th over on his way to a top score of 70 from just 49 deliveries, including nine boundaries. The third over alone yielded 16 runs, while the sixth produced 17.
Then the innings unraveled.
The Under-16 bowling unit found its rhythm during the middle overs and dismantled Easterns’ batting lineup with clinical precision. The collapse was aided by poor shot selection and a lack of application from the Easterns middle and lower order.
Ryan Merchant led the charge with figures of 3 for 10 from five overs, including a devastating spell in the 20th over that broke the backbone of the innings. Demorae Prentice was equally effective, claiming 3 for 7 from just three overs. From a commanding position, Easterns collapsed to 174 all out in 28.5 overs.
James Anchors the Chase
A target of 175 was always going to be challenging, and Easterns ensured it would be no easy task. Their opening bowlers applied immediate pressure, resulting in the early dismissal of captain Karese Farrell, who was bowled by Ulano Smithen in the fifth over for 9.
Smithen also struck Demorae Prentice on the forearm with a short-pitched delivery in the ninth over, forcing him to retire hurt and leave the field.
Amid the pressure, opener Deshawn James produced a mature innings beyond his years. His composed 59 from 62 balls proved to be the standout performance of the day. James shared a crucial 50-run partnership with the patient Aedan Williams, who contributed 24 from 43 deliveries.
When James was trapped lbw by Vijay Harrinarain at the end of the 18th over, the complexion of the chase changed dramatically.
Harrinarain and Amoree Jones combined to place a stranglehold on the innings, triggering a middle-order wobble that gave Easterns renewed hope. Jones finished with 3 for 29 from eight overs, while Harrinarain claimed 3 for 38 from his eight-over spell, keeping the contest alive deep into the final stages.
Extras Prove Costly
Ultimately, discipline—or the lack thereof—proved decisive.
Jevon Manners conceded 21 runs in the 12th over, undoing much of the excellent work done by the opening bowlers. Easterns’ troubles were compounded by a wayward 29th over that yielded seven costly extras, providing the Under-16s with valuable breathing room at a critical stage of the chase.
Despite the late pressure, the young NCA side held its nerve. Treon and Rozen Daniel displayed tremendous composure and determination, guiding their team over the line in the 35th over with just two wickets remaining.
A Valuable Lesson for Both Teams
The result represents a significant confidence boost for the NCA Under-16 team, who demonstrated resilience, character, and composure under pressure. For Easterns, it serves as a sobering reminder that even the most explosive start counts for little if the job is not completed.
Result: NCA Under-16s won by 2 wickets.