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The popular Social Development Commission (SDC) National Community Cricket Competition roared back into action last weekend with its "Reset, Rebuild, Reignite' mission as defending champions Fairfield and former titans South Stars stamped their authority in dominant opening performances.

Played under the explosive 10-over parish phase format, the action at French Park Oval in Manchester set the stage for a thrilling semi-final showdown on June 1, where matches will unfold simultaneously across all 14 parishes.

Fairfield sent a stern warning to rivals by dismantling Providence in a 95-run demolition. Electing to bat, Fairfield piled up 130-5 in 10 overs, thanks to Jamaine Morgan's blistering 38 and a 48-run opening stand with Javed Williams. Providence could only manage to score 35 all out, with Boris Edwards bagging 2-22.

Meanwhile, South Stars flexed their muscle with a nine-wicket thrashing of Mandeville Peace Keepers. After restricting the Mandeville side to a paltry 42-4, Rushane Allen's unbeaten 21 sealed the statement win, for South Stars who are seeking a third title.

Comfort cruised to a 32-run victory over Marcus Garvey, by posting 97-7 thanks to Matthew Morgan 23 and Lorenzo McDonald 24. Kelon Jones then bagged 3-9 to strangle Marcus Garvey's chase which folded at 65-6.

Hosts French Park also made headway, racking up 145-2 against Broadleaf, thanks to Odain Thomas' unbeaten 65. Onique Robinson's then snared 2-7, ensuring Broad Leaf fell for 61 runs.

Terrence Richards, SDC's national senior programmes coordinator, hailed the tournament's early action and exciting cricket spirit. "This weekend was about unity, talent, and empowerment. Cricket bridges gaps, and these matches inspire the next generation. The semi-finals will raise the stakes as communities battle for pride and glory."

The competition now shifts to the T20 format for the parish semi-finals on June 1, with island-wide clashes headlined by the SDC/Courts Ready Cash double-header at Chedwin Park.

Bridgeport Super Sixers will square off with Old Harbour CC while Greater Portmore will lock horns with Central Spanish Town Henderson Cricket.

Some $2.5 million in prizes are up for grabs this with 15 per cent of that sum earmarked for grassroots projects.