championship with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Empire Nation.
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By Samuel Peters
The New Winthorpes Lions captured their first Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association championship with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Empire Nation, capping off what has been the most successful season in the club’s history.
Playing at home, the Lions’ bowling attack dismantled Empire Nation after the visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. Empire never recovered from losing their premier batsman Tyrone Williams Jr for just five runs in the second over, with the score at a precarious 10. The visitors struggled throughout their innings, eventually being bowled out for a paltry 72 in 18 overs.
Off-spinner Orandel Boston was the architect of Empire’s collapse, bamboozling the batting lineup with exceptional figures of four for nine. He received solid support from Demari Benta, who claimed two for four to help restrict the visitors to their lowest total of the tournament.
Chasing a modest target of 73, the Lions experienced early jitters, losing their first wicket for just one run in the opening over. However, veteran batsman Jermaine Otto steadied the ship with a patient 35 from 50 balls, while tournament leading run-scorer Bartlette Henry contributed a valuable 27 from 30 deliveries to guide the Lions home.
Empire captain Justin Athanaze fought valiantly with the ball, taking two for 24, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Lions from reaching their target comfortably.
The championship victory marks the Lions’ second title of the 2025 season, having previously shared the Antigua and Barbuda T20 Premier League crown with the Liberta Blackhawks.
One day earlier, they secured their place in the championship match with a convincing six-wicket victory over the Pigotts Crushers in the semifinals. Bartlette Henry was the star of that encounter, top-scoring with a run-a-ball 62 as the Lions chased down the Crushers’ total of 115.
The Crushers had struggled against the Lions’ bowling attack, with Joshua Grant’s 42 being the only significant contribution. Ian Eusebe was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four for 17 including a hat-trick, while Boston continued his excellent form with three for 15.
The championship triumph represents the culmination of a remarkable season for the Lions, who have established themselves as the dominant force in Antigua and Barbuda cricket. Their ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments has set them apart from their rivals and positions them as the team to beat heading into future competitions.
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