Merry Boys Cricket Club wrapped up the Shanghai Construction Group National League title on Sunday afternoon with one round left, and president of the club Patrick Rampersad says that after 50 years as a club, the victory was icing on the cake. Rampersad said at the start of the season the team discussed that winning some silverware will add to the 50th anniversary celebrations. Rampersad said: "At the beginning of the year, we said it would have been appropriate to win a couple titles, especially the league."
Merry Boys did just that, sealing the league title on Sunday after winning first innings points against Queen's Park, which followed the team's UWI T20 success in January. The Diego Martin boys had an impressive run to the title, not losing a single match. In ten matches played thus far, Merry Boys has won seven matches and drawn three. Merry Boys will end the league season this weekend at its home ground against FCB Clarke Road, and Rampersad wants to finish on a winning note. "We are not treating the game lightly," Rampersad stated. Rampersad added that the main reason the team was successful was the team effort. Rampersad said: "Everybody played their part, that was a significant factor on the success." Merry Boys bowling attack came to the party this season, as the likes of Barbadian fast bowler Javon Searles and national spin bowler Ricky Jaipaul both displayed top performances this season. "Our bowling has been a major achiever this year in the title run. Javon (Searles) has been outstanding."
Rampersad added that the bowlers were able to defend small totals during the season, as was the case in the last two rounds against Queen's Park and Powergen. After scoring a modest 183 in the first innings against Queen's Park, Merry Boys then dismissed Queen's Park for 81 as Searles took 6/28. Searles also led the fightback against Powergen, taking 4/51 to bundle out the Syne Village team for 153 in the first innings, in reply to Merry Boys' 214.
Teenager Amir Jangoo, who will represent the national Under-19 team later this year, also contributed with the bat. Rampersad said he has great potential and the club can help him reach far. "There is always room for improvement, but we have the resources to help him go a long way."
Merry Boys will hope to win a third title this year when the T&T Cricket Board T20 festival bowls off on Sunday with eight teams competing. Merry Boys will face Clarke Road in the quarterfinal round on Monday.