Russell bags five to lead St Catherine CC to big win

Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell made a rare appearance for his local club St Catherine CC as he led his side to a comprehensive innings and a 129-run win over St Thomas in the second round of the Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup at the weekend.

Russell first sent down eight overs and picked up two wickets as St Thomas were blown away in their first innings for just 61 runs with Demoy Williams bagging four wickets for 22 runs.

West Indies batsman Nkrumah Bonner’s woeful form continued as he made only 12 for St Thomas.

Russell then contributed 31 with the bat to help St Catherine to 267 all out with Jeavor Royal top-scoring with 79 against three wickets for Jowayne Robinson.

Russell then bagged five wickets for just eight runs in 2.3 overs to blow away St Thomas for a second time, as they could only manage to get to 77 with spinners Peat Salmon and Royal picking up two wickets each.

Elsewhere, Melbourne CC secured their first win after defeating Kingston and St Andrew Cricket Association (KSACA) by eight wickets. KSACA, who made 132 in their first innings, managed to post 190 in their second turn at the crease replying to Melbourne’s first innings score of 242 for seven declared.

National captain Paul Palmer made an even 50 to lead Melbourne to victory at 86 for two. Earlier, part-time off-spinner Andre McCarthy did the damage for Melbourne with the ball by bagging five wickets for 41 runs with Matthew Comrie taking three wickets for 58 runs.

The Jamaica Defence Force also secured their first win following an innings and 80-run win over Portland. After dismissing Portland for 71 in their first innings, the army men then posted 234 for six declared before restricting Portland to 83 for eight in their second innings with two of the Portland batsmen unable to bat.

Spinner Dennis Bulli did the brunt of the damage for the soldiers by bagging four wickets for 19 runs with Leighton Leslie picking up three wickets.

St James were also outright winners in the second round following an innings and 23-run win over Trelawny. Omario Wright bagged five wickets to first restrict Trelawny to just 47 runs before Wright returned with the bat to get a top score 79 in St James’ reply of 213 all out. Hodwayne Davis chipped in with 52 against four wickets for 48 runs from Orlando Anderson.

Leading by 172 runs, Samuel Evans, Linton Buchanan and Wright then took three wickets each to restrict Trelawny to 141 in their second innings to hand St James the comfortable victory.

The feature game between Kingston Cricket Club and The UWI ended in a draw with Kingston securing first-innings honours. Scores in the game: Kingston CC 261 and 136 for four, The UWI 198 all out.

There was also a draw between Kensington CC and Police with the lawmen securing first-innings points. Scores Police 211 and 226 for eight declared, Kensington CC 113 and 106 for four.