Francis spins Old Harbour to victory with seven-wicket haul

Francis along with captain and fast bowler Romario Halstead, who snared three for 14, tore through their hosts who were blown away for a paltry 26.

Batting first, Old Harbour themselves were far from impressive and were bowled out for 113 with Francis, Junior Coleman and Shaquane Newell making a joint top score of 25 runs each.

But the home side found low the score to be a mammoth task, as Francis and Halstead ripped through their defence to wrap up a second win in Group Three from as many games.

Meantime, Old Harbour’s odds of topping the group and qualify for the semi-finals, improved significantly after Charlemont stunned perennial title challengers Manchester High with a two-wicket win at Charlemont.

Manchester first batted and made 152 all out. Charlemont then responded with 153 for eight to record their first win of the second round after losing to Old Harbour at Port Esquivel last week.

The final round of matches is set for next week with Manchester hosting Old Harbour and St Mary Technical travelling to Charlemont.

Victory for Old Harbour will guarantee them top spot in the group and qualification for the semi-finals scheduled for March 12-13.

Defeat, however, for Old Harbour and a victory for Charlemont will see a three-way tie atop the standings with net run-rate determining the outcome.