PCL: Lower-order resistance gives Scorpions advantage

Jamaica Scorpions are in a position of immense strength against Guyana Jaguars by reaching 320-8 at the end of the first day play in the seventh round of the Cricket West Indies Four-day championship at the National Stadium, Providence, on Thursday.

From 230-8 and signs pointing towards being bundled for a total below 250, Derval Green and Dennis Bulli, primarily picked for their role with the ball, produced a classic rear-guard effort to frustrate the four-time defending champions.

Green struck four fours and two sixes in a top-score of 59, which has so far spanned 62 balls, while Bulli played his part with a gritty innings of 30 from 66 balls in the unbroken 90-run stand for the ninth wicket.

Earlier, Scorpions produced some bright moments, led by stylish batsman Brandon King in an otherwise staggered effort by his fellow teammates.

King’s 51 was the highlight of the top-order as the batters were guilty of not converting the battling starts under the gloomy clouds which hovered over Providence for most of the day.

Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood made 44 as Kenroy Williams (33), Paul Palmer Jr (29), Assad Fudadin (23) fell cheaply on a pitched which offered even bounce.

Seamer Sherfane Rutherford, though expensive, had figures of 3-52 from 10 overs. Spin twins Veerasammy Permaul (2-52) and Gudakesh Motie (2-70) played their role in placing the opposition under pressure early into the proceedings.

The match is poised for an interesting second day, as Jaguars will be desperate to rebound from successive defeats, but their batting, which has been the weak link, will have to come good, given Scorpions’ total.

The match continues on Friday from 10:00h and fans are being reminded that admission to the venue is free.

Summarised scores from the other games:

In Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 316-8 (Lendl Simmons 138, Jason Mohammed 121, Marquindo Mindley 3-56, Kevin Stoute 2-38, Chemar Holder 2-55) v Barbados Pride.

In Dominica, Leeward Islands Hurricanes 229-5 (Montcin Hodge 61, Keacy Carty 54, Kieran Powell 29, Ray Jordan 3-45).