ST Jago High won the ISSA First Global Bank Grace Shield cricket title, beating Campion College by five wickets at Melbourne Oval yesterday to lift their first title in 25 years.

West Indies star Vitel Lawes, the St Jago captain, stole the show after taking 6-105 in the first innings and then hitting a match-winning 74 not out, steering his team from 90-5 to 170-5.

Scores in the match: Campion College 246 and 63; St Jago 142-9 declared and 170-5.

Campion College made 246 and had the upper hand with St Jago at 142-9, but Lawes boldly declared with his team trailing by 104 runs.

He justified the decision almost immediately, taking two wickets in the very first over as Campion College were bowled out for 63. Samuel Burgher supported with 4-6, leaving St Jago a target of 168, which they successfully chased.

St Jago started the chase at 22-1 and lost Wayne Plummer for 36 at 52-2, triggering a mini collapse as they slipped to 90-5 before Lawes, batting at number six, took charge.

He shared an unbeaten 80-run partnership with Raheem Willie, who made just one run in 62 minutes at the crease.

Lawes, who batted for 88 minutes, struck seven sixes and five fours from 74 balls to safely guide St Jago to the Grace Shield with an outstanding all-round display.

Lawes was recently named to the ICC Under-19 World Cup Best XI and showed why he is a cut above his peers. He made 35 in the first innings and finished with eight wickets.

Neo Xavier was the top bowler for Campion College, taking 3-39, and followed up his 5-46 in the first innings. Zachary Taylor took 2-45.

Winning coach Joseph Lemmie of St Jago told the Jamaica Observer that he is elated.

“It’s a great feeling. Everyone is overwhelmed; the performance was immaculate, especially seeing that we came from behind,” Lemmie said.

“This victory means so much to the players, the school, and the people who have consistently supported us.

“We know that our team is very talented. We have capable players with the know-how to get the job done. Vitel Lawes, the captain, has been exceptional this season with both bat and ball.”

The coach also had high praise for Danza Hyatt, who made 154 against KC in the quarter-finals; national player and wicketkeeper Luwayne Pryce; Samuel Burgher; and Wayne Plummer, another national player.

“Their performances have been outstanding, and their contributions have led to this success,” Lemmie said. “The 25-year hiatus has finally been broken. We have been to the finals on four consecutive occasions and finally got the better of our opponents this time. It means a lot, and everyone is extremely elated.”