Leewards losing streak continues as J/ca triumphs

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Bottom-of-the-table Leeward Islands were kept winless this season when they crashed to their third loss with a 170-run defeat to Jamaica on the third day of their fifth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday.

Set 327 for victory, the Windwards were swept aside for 156 in their second innings, despite a valiant 52 from wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton and 38 from veteran captain Sylvester Joseph.

Once again, left-arm spinner Nikita Miller proved a thorn in their side with four for 34 while fast bowler Andrew Richardson picked up three for 34 and Odean Brown, two for 51.

Earlier, resuming the day at Sabina Park on 153 for nine, Jamaica’s last wicket pair of Brown and Sheldon Cotterell frustrated the Leewards, to extend their partnership to 109.

Brown cracked eight fours and a six in a breezy 62-ball knock while Cotterell counted six fours and a six off 64 balls.

By the time off-spinner Justin Athanaze removed Brown 12 overs into the day, the Leewards knew the game had already slipped away.

Richardson then removed openers Montcin Hodge and Lyndel Richardson without scoring in the first over of the innings and when Steve Liburd (5) and Devon Thomas (4) followed quickly afterward, the Leewards stumbled to lunch at 37 for four.

Hamilton and Joseph added 91 for the fifth wicket to defy the Jamaican bowlers after lunch.

The right-handed Hamilton occupied the crease 2-1/2 hours and faced 109 balls while Joseph struck five fours off 104 balls in a knock lasting 156 minutes.

Brown eventually broke the stand triggering the final slide for the Leewards.