Palmer’s century keeps Scorpions in front

Left-handed batsman Paul Palmer Jr scored the second century of the innings for the Jamaica Scorpions against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on day two of their four-day West Indies Championship match at the Grenada National Stadium.

Palmer Jr joined Nkrumah Bonner who got his hundred on the opening day. The left-hander was left not out on 114 as the Scorpions posted 381 all out. When stumps were drawn, the Volcanoes responded well with 132 for two, still trailing by 249 runs.

Palmer Jr began the second day on 67 along with Nkrumah Bonner on 131 as the Scorpions were in a healthy position of 285 for three.

Bonner was only able to add just four runs to his overnight score before he became the fourth wicket to fall, leg before wicket to medium-pacer Ryan John.

Left-arm seamer Preston McSween then began the demolition work, as he bagged the next four Scorpion batsmen for just 14 runs as the visitors failed to capitalise on their remarkable day one work.

Oraine Williams went caught behind for 19 after adding 32 runs with Palmer. Hometown boy Denis Smith did not ignite his fans as he was snapped up by Devon Smith for two. Jamie Merchant faced just three deliveries before he was trapped in front without scoring after which McSween claimed his sixth scalp of the innings when he had Marquino Mindley caught for four at 336 for eight.

VALUABLE 28 RUNS

Palmer Jr patiently added a valuable 28 runs with last man Patrick Harty, and during that stint, the left-hander brought up his third first-class hundred, and his second of the season.

Harty would eventually go via the run-out route for seven, to leave Palmer not out on 114 from 261 balls with eight fours and six.

In their turn at the crease, the Volcanoes lost West Indies Under 19 captain Kimani Melius to off-spinner Merchant for 14 with just 33 runs on the board.

Kavem Hodge and opener Devon Smith added another 46 runs before Hodge went leg before wicket to Merchant for 23.

Smith, 67, and Andre Fletcher 22 then saw the hosts through to the close without further loss at 132 for two, still trailing the Scorpions by 249 runs.