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Thomas praises 'hard-working' St Catherine CC

Published:Sunday | April 15, 2018 | 12:00 AMJermaine Lannaman/Gleaner Writer
Wallace

One-day kingpins St Catherine CC remained on course to cop the national cricket double after defeating Kensington CC on first-innings points in quarter-final action of the two-day Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup at Chedwin Park yesterday.

Set a challenging 336 to claim first-innings honours, the Milton Thomas-coached St Catherine went on to score 387.

Resuming the final day in a commanding position at 119 for two with Gavin Wallace, not out 22, and Oraine Williams, not out 21, St Catherine were piloted to victory by national batsman Pete Salmon, who slammed 133.

Salmon, who made his debut for Jamaica during the regional Super50 one-day tournament earlier this year, was best supported by fellow national batsmen Kennar Lewis, 70, Williams, 67, and Wallace, 52.

Former national youth left-arm spinner Denniel Griffiths, three for 68, part-time spinner Delbert Gayle, two for 14, and fast bowler Nicholson Gordon, two for 70, were the leading bowlers for Kensington.

"It is remarkable to see us chase down such 335 to qualify for the semi-finals,'' said Thomas.

"But the players have been working hard and truly deserve it. They train by themselves unsupervised at times, and it shows how much they wanted to do well.

"It is now on to the semi-finals, where we hope to do well and advance to another final for the season.''

Elsewhere, last year's beaten finalists Melbourne booked their semi-final berth following an outright win over Westmoreland at Melbourne Oval. UWI got the better of St Catherine CA on first innings at the UWI Bowl, while Manchester overcame the challenge of St Ann at Manchester High.

At UWI, former national youth wicketkeeper Kemar Marshall fell three runs short of a century as St Catherine CA, who resumed on 192 for five, were dismissed for 258. Pacer Andre Bailey, five for 35, claimed most wickets.

In reply, UWI closed on 272 for five with Windies batsman Rovman Powell scoring 93 and Nicholas Walters ending unbeaten on 60. Left-arm spinner Coi Thompson picked up two for 55.

Meanwhile, at Courtney Walsh Drive, Westmoreland made 208 and 146, to which Melbourne replied with 254 and 94 for two.