Scorpions too hot for Jaguars

The Jamaica Scorpions eked out their third win in the Regional Four-day tournament after pulling off an impressive come, from behind eight-wicket win over the defending champions and tournament leaders the Guyana Jaguars at Sabina Park yesterday.

For much of the day, a Scorpions win in two days did not appear to be on the cards. Resuming on 108 for six on yesterday’s second day, the home team was dismissed for 139 in reply to 158. This gave the Jaguars what was felt to be a valuable lead of 19 on first innings.

Kenroy Williams was unable to resume his innings after being not out on four overnight, still suffering from the same chest complaint that affected him on day one. Assad Fudadin top-scored with an unbeaten 43. Kenton Pestano was the top wicket taker for the Jaguars with four for 31. Romario Shepherd was also among the wickets, with three for 30.

Batting in their second innings, the Jaguars were blown away for 138. Once again, the debutant offspinner Akim Fraser was in the thick of things, grabbing four for 65 to finish with eight wickets in the game. This was enough to earn him the man-of-the-match award. Jerome Taylor was again impressive, claiming four for 26 while Derval Green took two for 31 before leaving the field again with an injured knee. For the second time in the game, the aggressive wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble top-scored, this time making 34. Captain Leon Johnson made 31.

SHAKY START

Needing 158 to win outright, the Scorpions were off to a shaky start. With only 16 on the board, the two openers, Chadwick Walton and captain Paul Palmer Jr, were back in the pavilion for three and six, respectively. The pair of Jermaine Blackwood and Brandon King then ensured that there no more hiccups, with the two sharing in a magnificent unbroken third-wicket stand of 143 off 178 balls to take the Scorpions home well within the close of play on day two. The two played some audacious shots that first surprised and then tamed the Jaguars, who were left shell, shocked and overawed at the end.

Blackwood finished not out on 72 from 87 balls with five towering sixes and three exquisite fours. Brandon King was undefeated on 66 from 91 balls with four crisp fours and one six. It was an ­astonishing finish to what, up to tea time on day two, was a tight, competitive game.

Scores: Jamaica Scorpions 139 and 158 for two; Guyana Jaguars 158 and 138.

The Scorpions’ next assignment will see them at home to the Leeward Islands Volcanoes next week.

AT ARNOS VALE: Barbados Pride, leading Windward Islands Volcanoes by 77 runs, reached 135 for six in their second innings at the close.

Scores: Pride 215 (Tevyn Walcott 66, Jonathan Carter 42; Larry Edward 3-29, Josh Thomas 3-55) and 135 for six (Shayne Moseley 53, Aaron Jones 25; Alick Athanaze 2-25). Volcanoes 138 (Kimani Melius 50, Sunil Ambris 22; Jomel Warrican 8-45).

AT WARNER PARK: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, replying to Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ first innings of 365, reached 222 for seven at the close.

Scores: Hurricanes 365 (Terrance Warde 83, Jahmar Hamilton 68, Devon Thomas 67, Rahkeem Cornwall 62, Keacy Carty 44; Khary Pierre 4-110, Yannic Cariah 3-25);

Red Force 222 for seven (Imran Khan 51 not out, Jeremy Solozano 42, Odean Smith 36; Alzarri Joseph 3-55).