BASETERRE, St. Kitts – DESPITE their strong performance against reigning champions, the Guyana Jaguars, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes could not stave off the hammering they got from the Jamaica Scorpions at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium yesterday (Nov. 19).
The home side went under by 157 runs on a slow track that suited spinners.
Chasing a total of 312 for victory, the Islanders quickly folded on the last day for 144 for nine, handing the visitors a much-needed win.
Winning the toss on Thursday, last, the visitors decided to bat and they posted a competitive 342 all out before restricting the LI for 232 – giving them a 110 lead.
Niketa Miller was the pick of the bowlers for the Scorpion, grabbing 5 for 56, and gaining valuable support from Damian Jacobs who took 3 for 35.
In their second turn at the crease, the Scorpions were met with stern resistance from the home bowlers, as they were bowled out for 191 just before stumps were drawn on the third day despite Dervel Green’s half century.
Captain Rakheem Cornwall and Sheno Berridge put up significant resistance picking up 4 for 32 and 3 for 47 respectively.
The Leeward Islands Hurricanes were presented with two scenarios on the final day – they either bat throughout the day and secure a draw, or chased the runs and secure victory.
They however failed to achieve either options as they folded on a track that saw significant spin.
Montcin Hodge and Terance Ward put up valiant resistance, both scoring 30 runs in different fashions before succumbing, while Cornwall chipped in with 23.
The Hurricanes coach, Winston Benjamin, explained that he thought his unit did not bat “properly” and not assess the bowlers in a way that would have assisted them in playing in a positive frame of mind.
“I think we played some poor shots; our shot selections were very poor. We just have to reassess and go back to the drawing board and come again.”
The Hurricanes would have to assess quickly as they are coming up against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, which is having an outstanding season thus far – only going under to the Guyana Jaguars.
In that game, which was played at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad, the Red Force were hammered by an innings and 217 runs.
Scores: Guyana Jaguars 484/8 and the Red Force 120 and 147.
In the other game in Barbados, the Barbados Pride scored 360 and 171 runs, while the Windward Islands Volcanoes tallied 222 and 174.
The Barbados Pride won by 135 runs.
