JDF, Melbourne, Police, St Ann to contest 50-over semis

The Jamaica Cricket Association All-Island Limited Overs semi-finalists were decided last Saturday with contrasting results in the four quarter-final encounters across the island.

Defending champions Jamaica Defence Force made what should have been an easy victory over St James look difficult as the army men booked their place in the final four following a three-wicket victory at Noranda.

The soldiers first restricted St James to 49 for nine in 15.3 overs, with Ziggy Levy retiring hurt on 12, as Tyrone Burton, Dennis Bulli and Gordon Bryan took two wickets each.

The army men were staring down defeat and struggling at one stage on 33 for seven, but were rescued by Deethmar Anderson (12 not out), who steered them over the line at 50 for seven in the 13 overs. Andrew Walker bagged five wickets for 19 runs.

The JDF will next face their law enforcement counterparts Police, who advanced to the semi-final after their game with St Elizabeth was abandoned due to rain.

The game, which got off to a late start at 2:30 pm due to a wet pitch, saw Police batting first and posting 150 all out in 23.5 overs, with Kemar Anderson top-scoring with 25 against two wickets for Omar Samuels, Damion Ebanks and Lennox Simpson.

St Elizabeth were 20 without loss in 2.4 overs when rain ended play. By virtue of topping their group, Police advanced to the semi-finals.

In the other quarter-final matchups, hosts Melbourne CC booked their spot in the final four after chalking up a 35-run win over Manchester. National player Andre McCarthy hit 105 from 132 balls to guide Melbourne to 232 all out in 46.5 overs. Captain Javelle Glenn chipped in with 39 against three wickets for Christopher Powell and Jamaine Morgan.

West Indies pacer Oshane Thomas, along with McCarthy and Shalom Parnell, then took three wickets each to dismiss Manchester for 197 in 32.3 overs, with captain Brad Barnes top-scoring with 63.

Melbourne will square off with St Ann for a place in the final after St Ann got by St Thomas by six wickets.

St Thomas could only manage to put up 132 all out, with West Indies batsman Nkrumah Bonner once again top-scoring with 57 against five wickets for 32 runs from Damion Bryce.

Renaldo Ingram then hit 46 from 40 balls, and Damani Sewell with 23 not out, to guide St. Ann to 133 for four in 19.2 overs.