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Kensington Cricket Club broke a 21-year drought by winning the 2025 Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Michael Holding Senior Cup title, following their drawn final against St Catherine CC at the Ultimate Sports Ground in St Ann on Sunday.

As was the case with past Senior Cup finals, this year's edition was not without it's fair share of drama, as Kensington secured first innings honours on their way to the title.

The final ended farcically as Kensington CC, who scored 339 for eight on Sunday's final day, were heading back out to bat after tea, this having overhauled St Catherine CC's first innings score of 203. When the umpires and not out batsmen Alex Hinds, on 70, and Nicholson Gordon, on 44, walked out to the field, there was no sign of the St Catherine CC players.

After a couple minutes, St Catherine CC's captain Carlos Brown walked onto the field and during a discussion with the umpires, it was understood that St Catherine CC reported to have some five players injured and could not participate any further in the final.

With that, the umpires had no choice but to declare the game over, due to the forfeiture of the St Catherine CC team.

The sparse spectators on hand, many of whom were supporting Kensington CC, were livid as they wanted the game to continue.

Due to the forfeiture, the JCA hierarchy decided to exclude St Catherine CC from the post-match presentation.

Despite the turn of events, Kensington CC's captain, Alex Hinds, was pleased that they were able to finally get their hands on the Senior Cup, after a more than two-decade drought.

"We have had success in other competitions over the years, but the Senior Cup has eluded us. It means a lot to me personally as I have always dreamt of winning the Senior Cup," he said.

Hinds just missed out on winning the Player of the Final award, as he took one wicket for eight runs in the St Catherine innings and returned to hit a top score of 70 not out, which eventually took Kensington over the line.

The Player of the Match award went to young batsman David Dewar, who laid the platform with a dogged 69 from 104 deliveries, with five fours and a six.

Nicholson Gordon chipped in with a vital unbeaten 44, as he and Hinds added 88 runs for the ninth wicket. Opener Leroy Lugg chipped in with 34, while Denneil Griffith made 28. Corey Hinds and Jamie Hay scored 27 runs apiece.

Earlier, rookie pacer Anthony Dackers bagged three for 43 in helping to restrict St Catherine to 203 in their only innings, after they were asked to take the first strike on the opening day.

Leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood chipped in with two wickets for 22 runs, while Hay and Ryan Francis also ended with two wickets.

Wicketkeeper Trevaughn Williams was the innings' top scorer with 60, while captain Carlos Brown weighed in with 40.

sports@gleanerjm.com