KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – A clatter of late wickets, triggered by part-time off-spinner John Campbell, severely dented Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ run chase, leaving Jamaica Scorpions in pole position to win their ninth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday.
Asked to chase 262 at Sabina Park, the visitors were cruising at 134 for three before losing three wickets for 20 runs, to end the penultimate day on 159 for six.
They still require 103 runs on today’s final day but with only four wickets remaining, and much will depend on West Indies A one-day captain Jahmar Hamilton who was unbeaten on five.
Devon Thomas, meanwhile, top-scored with 52 while opener Montcin Hodge struck 45 and Akeem Saunders, 22, but they were all perished after getting set.
Hodge put on 43 for the first wicket with captain and West Indies left-hander, Kieran Powell who made 16 before becoming the first of two wickets to fall in the space of 22 balls, with Keacy Carty bowled by left-arm spinner Nikita Miller for two.
On 52 for two, Hurricanes were bolstered by the arrival of Thomas who inspired two crucial partnerships – 49 for the third wicket with Hodge and 33 for the fourth wicket with Saunders.
The right-handed Thomas faced 109 deliveries and counted five fours and a six while Hodge struck three fours and two sixes in a 95-ball innings.
However, Campbell intervened, accounting for Saunders, Thomas and Shane Burton (7) to tilt the balance in Scorpions’ favour.
Campbell has so far claimed three for 12 while leg-spinner Damion Jacobs picked up two for 68.
Earlier, pacer Sheno Berridge notched his first five-wicket haul in first class cricket as Scorpions, resuming on 182 for seven, were dismissed in their second innings for 235.
The right-armer claimed five for 59 while Barbadian off-spinner Chaim Holder ended with two for 57.
