St Catherine's Marshall reels off another ton in JCA Senior Cup

Former Jamaica Under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman, Kemar Marshall, notched his second century of the season to guide St Catherine CA to first innings points over Manchester CA and into the quarter-finals of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Senior Cup.

Marshall, who scored 174 earlier this season, hit a topscore of 110 in St Catherine's first innings total of 293 for six declared, at St Elizabeth Technical High School. This was in response to Manchester first innings 220. Batting a second time, Manchester ended on 82-5.

The 23-year-old Marshall, who has twice represented Jamaica in regional 50-over competition, was supported by out-of-favour West Indies and Jamaica batsman, Nkrumah Bonner, who made 86.

"It was a positive batting effort from Marshall," said St Catherine coach, Wayne Morgan.

"He batted at number three and faced a pretty good bowling attack, but after seeing out the swinging ball, he was able to make use of the ones in his zone.

"He has been batting well all season, as he started out with a 50, followed by a couple of 40s and then the big hundred against Clarendon," added Morgan.

"It also says a lot about him, as he has been working hard, running a lot to get back into shape, as he has been out of the game for a while."

Manchester, in their first innings, were spearheaded by inspirational captain, Gary Graham. He scored 84 and was best supported by another Jamaica discard, Zeniffe Fowler, who got 36.

Michael Bedward, six for 96, and the competition's leading wickettaker, left-arm spinner, Coi Thompson, three for 33, took most wickets for the losers.

The result propelled St Catherine to the top of Zone C with 19 points, the same as Manchester, which have an inferior net run rate.

Manchester, however, qualified as one of three best second-placed teams at the end of the preliminary round. The others are Kensington and St Catherine CC.

The four other zone winners and qualifiers are title-holders Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), St Thomas CA, Westmoreland CA and Kingston.

The quarterfinals, set for this weekend will see the JDF entertaining St Thomas at Up Park Camp, Westmoreland at home to St Catherine CC at Paradise, St Catherine CA hosting Kensington and Kingston playing Manchester at Sabina Park.