By virtue of?gaining first innings honours, ICBL Empire duly confirmed their superiority over plucky opponents Psychiatric Hospital and clinched the 2013 Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Division 2 title.
After the second day’s play was severely restricted because of rain, it meant that the Psychiatric Hospital would have had to set a reasonable target with adequate time in which to give themselves an outside chance.
However, despite the efforts of both batsmen and bowlers the more experienced Empire team stood firm and never relinquished the advantage gained on the second day (Saturday).
Chasing a target of 156 runs in a minimum of 43 overs, they were six runs away from victory on 150 for two off 28.3 overs when umpires Lloyd Benn and Trevor Blenman halted play at about 5:26 p.m.
Empire were given a sound start by openers Jason Parris, who got 64 not out, and the hard-hitting Kamal Sealy (63).
Parris hit five fours in his knock while Sealy struck four fours and an equal number of sixes.
Earlier, Psychiatric Hospital, resuming from 33 for one overnight, declared at 161 for five off 28 overs.
Captain Roger Burrowes topscored with 58, with four fours, while veteran Alfred Alleyne (45 not out – 2 sixes, 2 fours) and Rico Headley (23) lent good support.
Captain Robin Parris (two for 18) and Cecil King (two for 69) were Empire’s best bowlers.
Victorious captain Parris said that his team played very well throughout the season and with his experienced line-up he thought they had the right formula to win the title.
Parris’ opposite number Roger Burrowes, though somewhat disappointed, congratulated Empire on their victory.
He said that he was still proud of his team but in the end the more experienced team prevailed.
Psychiatric Hospital, though finishing as runners-up, will still earn promotion to the Intermediate Division next season.
