NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC – Jamaica Scorpions narrowly stuck their noses in front but opener Montcin Hodge then struck a second innings unbeaten half-century to ensure there was no Leeward Islands Hurricanes collapse, as the sixth round first class encounter remained open heading in today’s third day.
Beginning the day on 54 for four in response to Hurricanes’ 155 all out on the Thursday’s opening day, Scorpions were on the verge of surrendering a healthy first innings lead when they crashed to 103 for nine at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
However, the last pair of Sheldon Cottrell and Damion Jacobs defied the Hurricanes attack to add an invaluable 55, to help Scorpions eke out a three-run first innings lead.
Cottrell was the more aggressive of the two, striking the top score of 37 with a four and three sixes while Jacobs finished on 15 not out.
Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall was the best bowler with five for 74 while seamers Jeremiah Louis (2-16) and Gavin Tonge (2-27) finished with two wickets apiece.
Hodge then gathered an attractive 62 to carry Hurricanes to the close on 124 for three – a lead of 121 at the end of the second day.
They started poorly, however, losing Sherwin Peters for six at 24 for one but Hodge then anchored two stands to consolidate the innings.
He put on 40 for the second wicket with Trinidadian import Daron Cruickshank, a partnership which took Hurricanes to tea at 54 for one.
Cruikshank made 20 before perishing in the fourth over following the resumption.
Hodge then joined Jamaican Nkrumah Bonner (18) to put on a further 47 for the third wicket before Bonner fell, lbw to leg-spinner Jacobs near the close.
