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Scorpions in strong position to push for win

Published:Saturday | January 13, 2018 | 12:00 AMJermaine Lannaman
Ian Allen
Jamaica Scorpions opening batsman John Campbell plays a sweep shot during his second innings 55 against the Leewards Islands Hurricanes on Friday's second day of the Cricket West Indies-Digicel Four-Day Championship match at Sabina Park. Looking on is Leewards Islands Hurricanes wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton.

Outstanding bowling by part-time off-spinner John Campbell and another steady performance by leg-spinner Damion Jacobs yesterday put the Jamaica Scorpions in a strong position to push for victory on today's final day of their Cricket West Indies-Digicel Four-day Championship clash against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Sabina Park.

Set a victory target of 262 runs on a worn pitch, the Hurricanes at the close were struggling at 159 for six, still 103 runs shy of their target with Campbell leading the charge thus far with three for 12.

Jacobs, who claimed seven for 74 in the first innings, moved within a victim of a 10-wicket haul with two for 68 off 20 overs, while captain Nikita Miller has taken the other wicket to fall and has figures of one for 49 off 21.3.

Wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton with five runs from 35 balls, and fast bowling all-rounder Jeremiah Louis, three off 14 balls, are the not out batsmen, who will resume today when play gets under way at 9:30 a.m.

 

INTERMITTENT RAIN

 

The early start is due to play being called off early yesterday because of intermittent rain.

Resuming on 182 for seven, and enjoying a 208 runs lead, Jamaica eventually posted 235 in their second innings to go with their 197 from the first.

Leading the charge were fast bowling all-rounder Derval Green, who started the day on nought and went on to score 19 off 31 balls, which included three fours, while his overnight partner Jacobs, who resumed on one, made 17 off 36 balls, which also included three fours.

Miller with 13 off 22 balls, also gave support, before he was last man out. Impressive fast bowler Sheno Berridge was the pick of the Hurricanes bowlers with five for 59. Off-spinner Chaim Holder took two for 57.

The Leewards, who have been the surprise team of the tournament this season, then went about pursuing the challenging total and were going well at 102 for one, and 134 for three, before Campbell, who got the ball to bounce and turn, and Jacobs, took charge.

Top-order batsman Devon Thomas, 52, and opener Monticin Hodge, 45, who put on 49 for the third wicket, were responsible for providing the early impetus for the Leewards, who are seeking to win and maintain their lead over Jamaica in the points standings.

The Leewards entered the contest in third position while Jamaica were fifth.