Innswood claimed a second successive hold on the urban area ISSA/Grace Shield when they defeated Norman Manley High in the final by eight wickets at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

The boys from St Catherine, who will now go on to represent the urban area in next week's ISSA/Spalding Cup all-island final, roared to victory on what was the second day of the scheduled three-day affair after dismissing Norman Manley for 141 and 100, and replying with 156, and 86 for two.

Leading the way for the champions was former national Under-19 opener Peat Salmon, who bowling part-time off spin, claimed six for 35 to bowl out Norman Manley in their second innings.

jubilant fans

He then later returned to make 29 and shared in a 54-run opening stand with captain Oraine Williams, who made 24, as Innswood set 86 to win outright, moments before the tea interval, cruised to their target much to delight of their jubilant fans, who blew whistles, waved flags and ran on to the field.

"This victory really means a lot to us, as this year the school is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and as a tribute our aim is to win all three trophies that are available to us, including the knockout and the all-island Spalding Cup," said Innswood coach Kirk Gordon.

"It was a hard-fought victory, but I always knew we had it in us to pull through, and I would like to thank our bowlers particularly for making it happen."

Resuming the day on 51 for two, 90 runs short of their first-innings target, which could have decided the match, Innswood started off fairly shakily and were in a spot of bother at one stage at 94 for five and 113 for six courtesy of some clever part-time off spin bowling from Norman Manley captain Kerron Edwards.

equally skilled batting

However, thanks to some equally skilled batting from former national Under-19 invitee, batsman Kemar Foster, who made 25, Innswood were able to recover and in the end post a 15-run first-innings lead.

Edwards, who made a top score of 50 in Norman Manley in their first innings, ended with figures of six for 35, and left-arm spinner Jahmoy Lawrence three for 62.

With their back against the wall, Norman Manley needed to come and bat as if their lives depended on it if they were to record a come-from-behind win. However, like they did in the first innings, they found the spin of Salmon and leg-spinner Jermaine Bennett difficult to play.