KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – The Grenadines Whalers were crowned champions of the inaugural St Vincent and the Grenadines Emancipation Cricket Festival, thanks to a batting masterclass from star opener Andre Fletcher that carried them to a 22-run victory over the Windward Warriors here on Sunday.

Facing the Warriors under lights at Arnos Vale, Fletcher, a West Indies T20 World Cup winner, blasted 124 not out from just 66 balls, inclusive of 10 towering sixes and four fours, to propel the Whalers to 216 for five in their 20 overs.

Asif Hooper then grabbed four wickets for 30 runs as the Warriors were restricted to 194 for eight.
Fletcher added 80 for the fourth wicket with Hooper, who made 17, and after Hooper departed, Fletcher and Othneil Lewis, who also made 17, shared a 58-run partnership
Hooper, a left-arm spinner, took a wicket with his first ball when he had the dangerous Desron Maloney caught behind after he had pummeled 41 off 18 balls, to leave the Warriors 70 for two in the seventh over.

Whalers captain Jomel Warrican, who was born in St Vincent and grew up in Barbados, said it was great to win an event on his home soil.
“Fletcher stepped up when we needed him. His blend of experience and his batting power were the perfect mix. He led from the front and the others batted around him. It was great to watch.
“To come here and win the title for me is special. This is my home and I always enjoy playing here. The overall tournament was magnificent, and we have to thank the organisers. We got to see some really good youngsters from here showing their ability and the crowds really came out and created a wonderful atmosphere for cricket at Arnos Vale every night,” Warrican said.
“I spent time with the legends and in the days we had here, it was good to sit and listen to them and interact with them. It has been an honour to play in a festival that showcased our history and our future.”

The grand final capped a successful four-day event featuring four teams; Grenadines Whalers, Kingstown Kings, Windward Warriors, and Leeward Lions, that ran from July 31 to August 3.