Hodge hundred helps Hurricanes stun Jaguars

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Jaison Peters struck Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo over mid-wicket for six to earn Leeward Islands Hurricanes a dramatic two-wicket win and inflict leaders Guyana Jaguars with their first four-day defeat in nearly two years here Sunday.

Resuming the day on 32 for one in pursuit of 291 for victory at the National Stadium, Hurricanes looked on course to pull off a comfortable victory, especially after opener Montcin Hodge stroked a superb 127.

But drama ensued late in the day when champion left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (4-43) grabbed three wickets in two overs as Hurricanes lost three wickets for eight runs in the space of 16 balls, to slide to 290 for eight.

In the last throw of the dice, Jaguars captain Leon Johnson handed Permaul the final new ball and the veteran delivered immediately, having Hodge caught and bowled in the very first over.

Four balls later and with four byes added, Orlando Peters played back and was bowled before he had scored and with scores level, Jeremiah Louis (4) sliced a catch to Keemo Paul at backward point, in Permaul’s next over.

But Peters held his nerve to hit the winning runs, and end on 37 not out from 38 balls, which included three fours and a six.

Ironically, the last time Jaguars lost in the four-day championship was to the Hurricanes back in April, 2017, with the defeat only their third of the franchise era which began in 2014.

Having won four on the trot this season, the odds were stacked in Jaguars’ favour at the start of the final day of the fifth round contest but Hodge turned the tide in favour of the Hurricanes with his fourth first class hundred and second in as many outings.

Resuming from his overnight 17, the 31-year-old stroked 14 fours in an innings spanning 320 deliveries and just shy of seven hours.

Crucially, he posted 153 for the second wicket with the classy Keacy Carty, who carved out a quality 67 after starting the day on three. Hodge also put on 42 for the fourth wicket with Terrance Warde (25) and an invaluable 59 for the sixth with Jaison Peters.

The right-handed Hodge, who made a magnificent 158 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force two weeks ago in Tarouba, carried his tally for the season to 470 runs at an average of 67.

It was his stand with Carty at the start of the day which laid the foundation for the Hurricanes success. The 21-year-old Carty hit nine fours off 193 balls in about 3 ¾ hours before becoming the first casualty of the day, caught at the wicket fishing at a widish ball from Test pacer Paul.

There was a wobble when Akeem Saunders (9) played back and was trapped lbw to Permaul but Hodge kept his cool to guide the innings.