JDF on course to retain title

REIGNING CHAMPIONS Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) moved one step closer to defending their Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup title after getting the better of surprise quarter-finalists St Thomas CA on first innings at Up Park Camp yesterday.

The soldiers, after resuming the second and final day on 371 for seven, were eventually bowled out for 420.

This provided them a 321-run lead over St Thomas, who were dismissed for 101 in their first innings.

St Thomas fared much better in their second innings, closing at 372 for eight, but in the end it was a case of too little too late.

“It was a good game,” said JDF coach Wayne Cuff. “We won the toss, which we wanted, and the bowlers, especially our fast bowlers, bowled really well.

“Then our guys really put their head down and bat.”

The JDF, in their first innings bowling effort on day one, were led by fast bowler Leighton Leslie, four for 20, and left-arm wrist spinner, Dennis Bulli, two for 22.

West Indies fast bowler, Sheldon Cottrell, in the meanwhile, piloted their batting efforts with 124 after being not out on 94 overnight.

Opener Jermaine Harrison, 81; Sean Bennett, 45; and Rasheed Outar, 33, were the next best scorers.

National pacers Gavan Brown, three for 75, and Keno Wallace, two for 71, claimed most wickets.

St Thomas, i n t he second innings, were guided by Carlton Baugh Jr, who top-scored with 74, and Xavier Scott, who made 64.

Part-time off-spinner Outar, with three for 18, took most wickets for the army men.

“If you don’t post a competitive t otal during your first innings, you will find yourself on the back foot, and that is where we went wrong,” said Baugh Jr.

“However, having said that, credit must be given to the JDF as they made very good use of the start that they got.”

In other matches, at Sabina Park, Kingston defeated Manchester CA by eight wickets. Manchester made 83 and 212, and Kingston made 246 and 52 for two.

At Paradise Oval, St Catherine CC overcame the challenge of Westmoreland by an innings and 11 runs. Westmoreland made 74 and 97 for nine, and St Catherine CC, 97-9.

The other quarter-final between St Catherine CA and Kensington at Ewarton Bauxite ended in a no-result.

St Catherine CA batted first and made 144, and at the close of the rain-interrupted match, Kensington were 131 for six.