Scorpions all but done against Volcanoes

THE JAMAICA Scorpions need 182 runs to win their third-round West Indies Championship contest against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, but the reality is that with one wicket in hand after closing day three on 233 for nine, chasing 415 for victory, they’re more likely to find themselves losers.

It was another difficult day out in the middle for the Scorpion batsmen, who showed a bit more application in their second time at the crease, but faced a disciplined bowling effort from the Volcanoes.

Facing an imposing total for victory, the Scorpions were behind the eight ball from the fifth over of the third day when opener Kirk McKenzie went caught and bowled by Shermon Lewis for one.

His opening partner Leory Lugg tried to soak up some balls, having failed in his last couple of innings. However, when he got to 15 off 40 balls, he was trapped in front by Justin Greaves to leave the Jamaicans at 28 for two.

It was clear that the instructions from coach Andrew Richardson were for the batters to occupy the crease. However, the penetrative Volcanoes bowlers would make further inroads, removing Nkrumah Bonner for 17 and captain Paul Palmer for 21, to leave the Scorpions in a spot of bother at 68 for four.

It took a 96-run fifth-wicket partnership between wicketkeeper Aldane Thomas and Abhijai Mansingh to resuscitate the Scorpions run chase.

Thomas would get to 55, including four fours and two sixes in his 102-ball knock before he was bowled by Larry Edward.

Mansingh also brought up his half-century, but when he got to an even 50, he became the sixth wicket to fall to Kenneth Dember at 196 for six.

Things would only get worse for the Scorpions who lost Jamie Merchant and Marquino Mindley in quick succession, but a brisk 48 from Derval Green meant the Jamaicans still kept some life in the contest until the fall of Green’s wicket.

Nicholson Gordon is on two and Patrick Harty, who is yet to score, will try to prolong the inevitable on today’s final day with the Scorpions still needing 182 runs.

Lewis has, so far, taken four wickets for 22 runs with Justin Greaves and Larry Edward bagging two each.

Elsewhere, The Leeward Islands Hurricanes defeated the Barbados Pride by two wickets in their contest in Port of Spain.

Resuming on 13 without loss and chasing 247 for victory, the Hurricanes got home thanks to a fighting 104 from opener Kieran Powell and 55 from wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton.

Chaim Holder bagged three for 38 in a losing effort for the Pride.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will resume today’s final day on 106 for three, still needing 306 runs to defeat the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

Darren Bravo is not out on 63 and with him is Jyd Goolie on 14.

Earlier, the Harpy Eagles had declared their second innings on 247 for six with Kemol Savory getting an unbeaten 101 and Leon Johnson 74.

Scores in that game are Guyana Harpy Eagles 324 and 247 for six, T&T Red Force 160 and 106 for three.