BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – All-rounder John Campbell said Tuesday’s victory over Guyana Jaguars had given Jamaica Scorpions a huge lift, especially with the final four of the Regional Super50 approaching.
With both teams vying for the remaining semi-final spot from Group B, Scorpions pulled off a 20-run win in the day/night contest at Kensington Oval to virtually nail down their berth in the final four.
Campbell said Scorpions knew the importance of the game and had approached it as they would a final.
“It was definitely a crucial win,” said the 23-year-old who was adjudged Man-of-the-Match.
“It was either we win or we go home so it was basically a final. We had to beat Guyana to knock them out of the competition and we did that.”
He added: “It’s a big boost for us, beating Guyana twice. We have Barbados next so definitely that would be a tough game. We just need to come out here and stick to our plans. Barbados are a tough opponent and we will be looking to win.”
The left-handed Campbell stroked a swift 42 from 46 balls down the order to bail out Scorpions after the innings had declined, helping to lift them to 255 all out off 49.4 overs.
Left-handed opener Steven Taylor top-scored with 86 while Andre McCarthy weighed in with 45. In reply, Jaguars were then cruising on 124 for one in the 29th over before Campbell intervened with an excellent spell of four for 43, to trigger a batting collapse.
Campbell said he was pleased his all-round efforts had paid dividends for the Scorpions.
“With the bat I wanted to be at the end and unfortunately that didn’t happen but the contribution was good enough. I think we bowled really well. Jerome Taylor and all the guys [made] a very good effort,” he pointed out.
“I’ve been bowling a lot in the nets and the skipper has been showing his faith in me so … I just have to turn up and deliver.”
Scorpions take on Barbados Pride on Thursday in a day/night affair at Kensington Oval.
They are second in the standings on 18 points, 10 points behind Pride who have already qualified for the semi-finals, with Jaguars third on 13 points.
