Defiant JDF join UWI at top in Senior Cup

Former champions the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and title hopefuls the University of The West Indies (UWI) are now both tied on points at the top of Zone C following the second round of matches in the two-day Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup at the weekend.

The duo, who battled at Up Park Camp in one of three matches in the zone, are now on seven points each, from two matches, after the JDF claimed first-innings points in their rain-affected drawn encounter.

Batting first after winning the toss, the JDF scored 159, with national one-day opener Jermaine Harrison 35; out-of-favour West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, 34; and the experienced Joseph Palmer, 29, making most runs.

This was against off-spinners Akeem Frazer and Oshane Walters, who finished with four for 36, and three for 36, respectively.

The UWI, in their response, were bowled out for 127, with national left-arm wrist spinner Dennis Bulli, five for 20, taking most wickets and left-arm orthodox spinner Shamari Brown taking three for 32.

RAIN HALTED PLAY

The JDF, batting a second time, then closed day one on 10 for one, however, rain and a wet outfield on yesterday's final day ensured that neither team was able to go for a victory.

Elsewhere in the zone, rain also forced a draw in the fixture between St Elizabeth and St James at Manley Horne Park in St Elizabeth, while the match-up between Westmoreland and Hanover at Paradise Oval in Westmoreland ended in a no-result.

At Manley Horne Park, St Elizabeth first made 164, with left-arm fast bowler Andrew Walker claiming five for 27 and Tyrone Johnson two for 21. This was against David Curtis, who hit 29.

Westmoreland, in reply, then closed day one on 219 for three, with the experienced Myron Wilson not out on 110. Rain then had the final say on day two, where no play was possible.

Over at Paradise Oval, rain left Hanover on their overnight total of 66 for four, in response to 301 for nine declared, made by Westmoreland.

Recent West Indies Under-19 World Cup winning representative all-rounder Shahid Crooks, with an unbeaten 124, made the most runs for Westmoreland, with former national Under-19 player Javoy Spence providing support with 66. Gareth Dennis took five for 73.