Jacobs points to team effort

Leg-spin bowler Damion Jacobs has credited coach Robert Samuels and captain Nikita Miller as the reasons for a turnaround in the batting fortunes of the Jamaica Scorpions.

The Scorpions, who have jumped to the top of the six-team WICB first-class four-day championship at the midway mark, has been posting some of their best scores in recent years, the last of which was against the Leeward Hurricanes, who they defeated by an innings and 72 runs at Warner Park, St Kitts, last weekend.

Led by a maiden century from young batting sensation Brandon King and another from wicket-keeper Devon Thomas, the Scorpions posted an imposing 550 for seven declared in their first and only innings.

This was in reply to 243 made by the Hurricanes in their first time at bat. The Leeward, in their second innings, were bowled out for 234.

"It has been a very good team effort for the last three games with our batting really clicking," expressed Jacobs on the return of the team yesterday.

"Kudos must go to the coach and the captain, who, during this period, have advised the players to go out and play their natural game, and it has been paying off."

The Scorpions, who in their first four innings only passed 200 runs once, scored 314 and 229 in their 132 runs win over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force prior to the Hurricanes encounter.

They also made 224 and 112 for two in their rain-affected clash against Barbados Pride at Sabina Park in round three.

Jamaica lead the tournament with 67.6 points ahead of title holders Guyana Jaguars 64.6. Barbados, with 47.2 points, are third.

The tournament has taken a break to facilitate the holidays as well as the regional Super50 in January.