Hugh Bennett, the team manager and coach of Bridgeport Super Sixers, says he had full confidence his team would prevail in the Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) St Catherine Twenty20 (T20) cricket final despite being bowled out for 98 by Packers All Stars at Port Esquivel Sports Club on Sunday.

The Super Sixers accomplished the unlikely, bowling out the All Stars for 63 to complete a 35-run win and their maiden hold on the title.

Scores: Super Sixers 98 (15.5 overs); All Stars 63 (15 overs)

“We made 98 but we defended it with all our heart. I knew we had an all-round team with good batters and good bowlers. I knew they could do it, but not by that margin of victory,” Bennett said.

In a previous meeting earlier in the season between the teams, which are both based in Portmore, Super Sixers triumphed in a zonal contest.

“I must give them credit for displaying that discipline to actually pull off the victory in the final. I must also give them credit for being unbeaten in the whole competition.”

The manager said they are already planning for next year.

“The win was well received by the team, the celebratory mood was very good and we are going to continue celebrating. But we’re going to defend this title to the max, we want to have this title for as long as we can. We have good youths coming up, so if some players move on we have the younger ones coming up,” he explained.

In soggy conditions caused by weekend rain, Bridgeport Super Sixers won the toss and opted to bat first against the fellow first-time finalists in a match reduced to 17 overs per side.

Lower order batsman Kern Duckett made 19 and Roy Williams added 17 in their total of 98. The Packers All Stars Captain Jameel Bryan claimed 4-16 and Fitzroy Hunter, who ended as the competition’s top bowler with 11 wickets, claimed 3-28.

Though chasing a meagre total the All Stars were bogged down with Albert Rose (12) and Bryan (11) scoring most runs.

Brandon English and Junior Morrison grabbed 4-12 and 3-3, respectively.

— Sanjay Myers