Miller demolishes St Catherine

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

West Indies spinner Nikita Miller yesterday claimed match figures of 10 for 91 to guide Melbourne to an exciting come-from-behind five-wicket win over St Catherine in their feature Group D two-day Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup clash at Chedwin Park.

Bowling in his usual trademark style of tight line, with subtle variations in bounce and turn, Miller pocketed figures of five for 71 and five for 20, as Melbourne, after losing first innings to the hosts, rallied to maintain their leadership of the group, and all but booking a spot the semi-finals.

With one round of matches remaining and only the group winners slated to advance, Melbourne lead the group with 19 points, four more than Kensington, who defeated Lucas at Kensington Park in the Preston Road derby.

Kingston, who defeated Boys' Town at Sabina Park, also have 13 points, while St Catherine (nine), Lucas (six), and Boys Town (six) round off the group.

"We are a bit dejected after losing first innings, but I thought we showed character to come back and win the game," said Miller, who last represented the West Indies at the recent ICC World Cup in India.

"I also thought this was our best fielding performance of the season, and credit to the players. It was truly a team effort."

poor batting

Resuming the day on 180 for five in search of St Catherine's competitive first-innings total of 245, Melbourne, dogged by poor lower order batting, were dismissed for 236, 10 runs short of their target.

Leading the way for St Catherine was national trials invitee, medium pacer Wayne Morgan, who bowling with in and out swing, claimed seven for 38.

Former West Indies 'A' leg-spinner Gavin Wallace, two for 38, gave Morgan best support, while batting for Melbourne, Andre McCarthy, who was 90 not out overnight, top scored with 109, and the returning Donovan Pagon, 37.

Heads down, Melbourne then had the uphill task of scoring an outright win to get back in front, and thanks to Miller and captain, Yannick Elliot, who snared four for 44, they were able to bowl out St Catherine for 107 in their second innings.

Set a victory target of 115 midway the second session, Melbourne were then in a spot of trouble at 87 for four courtesy of a fiery spell of fast bowling from West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who bowling a series of bouncers claimed three for 23.

However, led by a quick-fire 49 from opener John-Ross Campbell and 20 not out from former national Under-15 batsman Marvin Lobban, Melbourne were able to overcome before reaching their target.

St Catherine captain Tamar Lambert blamed a lack of application for his team's downfall.

"After gaining first innings we took our foot off the gas, and allowed them to get back into the game by a poor batting display. But creditto them, they fought well," he said.

Others winners on the day include St Elizabeth and Westmoreland in Group A, and Manchester in Group B.

St Elizabeth, led by a 11-wicket haul from spinner Howard Powell scored an innings and 25 runs win over Trelawny at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, while Westmoreland scored a seven-wicket win over St James on the back of Derval Green, who made 73 and claimed three for 34.

Manchester, in the meanwhile, got their win thanks to 117 from Damion Bryce and a five wicket haul from batting all-rounder Donovan Sinclair.