MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Cruising at 49-0 at tea in search of 70 runs on Friday’s last day, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) had every reason to believe they had the 2022 Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/(ISSA) Grace Headley Cup all wrapped up.

But their opponents Manchester High fought like tigers in a tense, enthralling, post-tea session, capturing six wickets for 15 runs before STETHS battled through the extreme pressure to win by four wickets at 70-6.

The victory ensured that STETHS, easily the most successful school in Jamaican cricket for more than 40 years, secured their 35th hold on the all-rural ISSA/Grace Headley Cup.

Scores: Manchester High 140 & 104; STETHS 175 & 70-6.

In ordinary circumstances, STETHS would now be anticipating a three-day, all-island final for the Spalding Cup against the urban Grace Shield champions.

But the late start to the schoolboy season because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, a crowded schedule, and external high school exams influenced organisers to scrap the Spalding Cup this season.

When play began on Friday after a two-and-half-hour delay caused by Thursday’s heavy rain which left the bowlers’ run-up at both ends wet and soft, there was little indication of the drama to come.

Resuming from their overnight 66-7, Manchester High eked out another 34 runs for their last three wickets to gain a second-innings lead of 69.

Rhevon Morgan, last man out for 24, ended as second-highest scorer behind wicketkeeper/batsman Matthew Morgan with 30.

Seamers Demar Freeburn (3-16), Govasta Edmond (3-35), and wrist-spinner Javid Simpson (3-25) were the destroyers for STETHS.

Openers Sean Roye (35) and Tyriek Bryan (12) had worked their way to within 21 runs of the victory target at tea, appearing untroubled by the Manchester High bowling attack.

It was a completely different story after tea against the clever flight and guile of the experienced left-arm finger spinner Jaheem Bartley (3-19) and the swinging medium pace of Denzil Lee (3-21).

Bryan was the first to go, swinging a full delivery from Bartley to midwicket at 50 -1. Roye fell in the next over without addition to the score, driving at Lee to be caught behind.

A procession followed.

In growing excitement and tension, Malique Williams went for 0, Captain Anil Braham (1), Marlon Powell (8), and Edmond (0).

But Odel Samuel’s four not out and Kevin Graham, who made five not out, held their nerve to carry STETHS over the line.

The STETHS contingent erupted in joyous celebration at Graham’s sweet cover drive which brought the winning runs.

— Garfield Myers