Walton hundred puts Scorpions in sight of lead

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — Opener Chadwick Walton struck his fifth first class hundred here yesterday to give Jamaica Scorpions one of their better days in the Regional Four-day Championship this season.

The 33-year-old carved out an unbeaten 113 as Scorpions, replying to Windward Islands Volcanoes’ 285, reached 212 for four at the close the Grenada National Stadium.

Heading into Saturday’s penultimate day, Scorpions trail by 73 runs as they continue to hunt their first win after losing their three previous outings.

Resuming the second day on 263 for six, Volcanoes lost their last four wickets for the addition of just 22 runs, with wicketkeeper Denis Smith converting his overnight 36 into 49.

He faced 87 balls just short of two hours at the crease and struck six fours.

New-ball seamers Derval Green (2-35) and Jerome Taylor (2-48) shared the wickets which fell, while left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli, who ended the opening day with five for 94, did not bowl yesterday.

In reply, Walton carried the Scorpions innings, especially after losing partner Oraine Williams cheaply for six with the score on 29.

The West Indies limited overs right-hander put on a crucial 103 for the second wicket with Brandon King, who stroked 52 as Scorpions rebuilt.

Walton faced 219 balls in a shade over five hours and struck 12 fours and a six, while King hit four fours off 130 deliveries in an innings lasting just over two hours.

King eventually fell, dragging on one from pacer Ray Jordan (2-27) which kept a trifle low; and left-hander Assad Fudadin, yet to score at tea, lasted just 15 deliveries for his eight before edging Jordan to Tyrone Theophile at first slip.

Walton remained solid, however, adding 30 for the fourth wicket with captain Paul Palmer (nine) and posting 32 in an unbroken, fifth-wicket stand with Barbadian Kenroy Williams, who was unbeaten on 20.