Walton ton spurs Jamaica
IN-FORM wicketkeeperbatsman Chadwick Walton continued his good batting exploits with a stroke-filled century on yesterday’s first day of the sixth round WICB Four-day Tournament clash between leaders Jamaica Scorpions and second-place Guyana Jaguars at Sabina Park.
One of the outstanding performers for Jamaica during the just-concluded WICB Regional Super50 tournament, Walton compiled a topscore of 101 as Jamaica, asked to bat first, posted a competitive 255 in their first innings.
Guyana, who are eyeing a third straight hold on the crown with five rounds of matches to go, then closed the day in a comfortable position at 69 without loss.
Recent West Indies Under-19 World Cup winning captain, Shimron Hetmyer with a wellplayed 51, and Tagnarine Chanderpaul, 14, are the not out batsmen, who are set to resume today when play gets underway at 10am.
“I am a bit disappointed for not going on and making a bigger century, but nevertheless I will take it,’’ said Walton, who was notching his second first-class ton.
“I would rate it as one of my better first-class innings as it was a challenging wicket and one had to buckle down and concentrate as long as possible.’’
Walton, who scored a century in the semi-finals of the Super50, and followed up with another for the WICB President’s XI against touring England, was best supported by young batsman Brandon King, who scored 30.
The pair also shared the highest partnership of the innings, 78 for the fourth wicket, before King was dismissed caught off the bowling of impressive fast bowler, Keon Joseph, with the score on 181.
REVIVAL
The dismissal also brought Guyana back into the game with the Leon Johnson-captained unit capturing the remaining six wickets for 74 runs.
Others to get starts but failing to carry on were Jermaine Blackwood, 29, and Devon Thomas, 26.
Joseph, bowling good lines and lengths, was the pick of the Jaguars bowlers with a career-best figures of seven for 53 off 15.3 overs was the pick of the Jaguars bowlers, while there were two wickets for his new-ball partner, Romario Joseph.
“I think they are in a good position but I don’t think they have gone anywhere to far as if you add two or three wickets to the total it’s a different look,’’ highlighted Walton.
“It is therefore for us to come tomorrow and put the ball in the right areas and get a hold of the game.’’