Melbourne, St Ann in limited overs title clash

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Cricket returns to Sabina Park today with the playing of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Limited Overs Knockout final between defending champions Melbourne Kangaroos and surprise finalists St Ann Cutters.

Melbourne, led by batsmen Marlon Samuels and Donovan Pagon, wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr and in-form leg-spinner Damion Jacobs, will be looking to etch their name on the champion-ship trophy for the fourth year in a row.

Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, who is yet to represent Melbourne this season due to unknown reasons, is expected to watch from the sidelines.

"He (Miller) has not communicated with the club the reasons for his unvailability and, as such, he will not be part of the set-up tomorrow (today)," said Melbourne manager, Donald McNaughton.

Looking at the match, he then explained that his team was looking forward to defend its title.

"Before the start of the year we told ourselves we want to win everyting. We lost out in the Super League final day, so this would be a feather in our cap, especially with the Twenty20 to come," he said.

St Ann, in the meanwhile, boast opener Xavier Marshall, spinner Andre Dwyer, veteran Orville Pennant and exciting West Indies Under-19 batsman John Campbell. They will be seeking to land their second limited overs championship title in the association's history.

In reaching the final, the men from the 'Garden Parish' had a relatively easy passage with victories over St James Sparrows, Clarendon Bulls and Hanover Dolphins - the latter result coming in the semi-finals at Utlimate Cricket Ground in St Ann.

Been there and done that

"We have high regards for Melbourne, as they have been there and done that and have a number of national senior and junior players," said Cleon Smith, St Ann's coach.

"But what it all boils down to on the day is execution, and I believe we have what it takes to get the job done.

"It (winning) would mean the world to us and would be the icing on the cake after winning the Senior Cup last season and gaining promotion to this season's Super League," he added.

Melbourne, in the meanwhile, overcame St Thomas Prodigals and Portland Alligators in their opening fixtures, before outplaying reigning two-day Super League champions Manchester Lions at Melbourne Oval in the semi-finals.