Alexandra opener Christopher Yearwood gathering runs behind square in the second innings.

‘Tis the season to be jolly if you’re a student from Alexandra School.

Yesterday its young cricketers crowned a magnificent season when they won the Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA) Intermediate title.

Not a ball was bowled, leaving the students with the cup – and they deserved it. Having outplayed their opponents MTW, they led by 282 in the second innings going into the final day.

Heavy rain Saturday night left the field damp and the umpires were forced to abandon the day’s proceedings as the covers proved inadequate.

There was seepage under the covers and the bowlers’ run-ups and the area around the pitch were too wet for play. The game was called off at 2:45 p.m.

Even if there was play, MTW had a mountain to climb. Alexandra made 238 in the first innings and were 206 for seven in the second. MTW fell for 162, with West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Barrington Yearwood taking seven wickets.

Alexandra only started accepting boys on their roll two decades ago, but the St Peter school is developing a rich cricket history.

This is their second capture of the Intermediate trophy in as many years. Last year’s final against MTW was not played after a dispute between the school and the BCA went before the law courts. It was decided the title would be shared.

Earlier this year, they won the FirstCaribbean International Bank Schools One-Day Tournament, the most prestigious trophy in schoolboy cricket. In the 1990s they were the Division 2 champions, which earned them promotion to the Intermediate. Games master Peter Vaughan has been the man behind the school’s success.

The last school team to win the Intermediate title was The Lodge School who got the better of Cable & Wireless in the 1983 final.

Principal Jeff Broomes yesterday praised Vaughan for his commitment to the players, and also congratulated the boys.

“I have to commend Peter for his dedication to young people and his commitment to seeing them better themselves,” said Broomes, a member of the BCA’s board of management.

“He’s getting response from them because he shows them respect and they also show him great respect. Young people respond to your expectations. When you instil genuine belief in young people, they will move mountains to prove you right.

“That’s what these boys did.”

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