SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth – St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) lifted the Spalding Cup schoolboy cricket title on Friday after claiming first-innings honours against Wolmer’s Boys’ in the rain-hit, drawn three-day match at STETHS Sports Complex.

Immediately after the lunch break on the third and final day, with rain clouds closing in on the venue, STETHS were bowled out for 178, giving them a 12-run first-innings lead against Wolmer’s.

Batting a second time, Wolmer’s raced to 66 without loss in seven overs in the post lunch session before a persistent downpour ruled out play for the rest of the day. Rain had wiped out over 60 overs on Wednesday and approximately 30 overs on Thursday.

Scores: Wolmer’s 166 and 66-0; STETHS 178.

STETHS began Friday morning on 97-5 and lost Odel Samuels after adding only one run to their overnight score.

But Kevoni Graham (39) and Odane Binns (30) added a game-changing 62 runs that brought the hosts within a whisker of taking first-innings honours.

Both were dismissed one run apart and Govasta Edmond (four) fell with the scores level before umpires called for lunch.

STETHS got a single from the first ball on the resumption to inch ahead, as home supporters cheered loudly

The innings was wrapped up moments later with STETHS holding an invaluable lead.

Jordan Johnson, bowling wrist spin, took 5-40 for Wolmer’s.

Johnson opened the innings as Wolmer’s batted a second time and crashed a quick-fire 32 not out, alongside Jose Northover, who made an unbeaten 28 before rain ended the match.

-Sanjay Myers