WI local: Empire take full points

Chic Schools North (117 & 187) lost to ICB Empire (202-6 dec. & 107-5) by five wickets.

ICB Empire predictably defeated the CHIC Schools North to stake a firm claim to the Courts/Suzuki Division 1 Championship.

However, the youngsters gave the club cricket powerhouses a fright by frustrating them in the field before they could administer the final rights just after 4 p.m.

The schoolboys resumed on 86 for five and many Empire fans were expecting an early day but Ryan Nurse had other plans.

After Schools North lost the wickets of Alston Bobb and Kirk Springer within the first half and hour, Nurse who is known for his bowling and hard hitting, joined Kevin Howell (30) and they added 58 for the eighth wicket. The schooboys added 79 in the first hour of play.

Nurse clobbered four sixes and four fours that included two successive sixes over long-off and long-on off Empire captain Sherlon Greaves that brought up his half century in the 54th over.

But by 1:50 p.m. the innings was over, with Nurse last out for 59, leaving Empire needing 103 for victory.

During the run chase The Bank Hall lads lost the wickets of Michael Inniss who top-scored with 40, Jason Haynes and Shawn Graham.