Six in a row for blind cricketers

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica yesterday underlined their status as the top blind cricket team in the region when, courtesy of a century from captain Lo-Shane Myles, they were able to record a nine-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago in the final match of the West Indies Blind Cricket Tournament at Up Park Camp.

Myles, who plays as a B3, partially sighted player, made 125 not out, and Jason Ricketts 50 not out, as Jamaica, set a victory target of 263, achieved their goal for the loss of one wicket.

It was Jamaica's sixth straight hold on the Iroy Johnson Trophy since the tournament was first played in 2005, and the second on home soil, and according to Myles, this year's triumph was one of the best.

"It feels great to be crowned champions again, especially given the fact that we are playing at home," said Myles, who along with Ricketts, were greeted with wild celebrations after the winning run was scored.

"We trained really hard, and the guys were focused and believed in themselves," he added.

Trinidad, who lost to Jamaica in the title deciding game last year in Barbados, made 262 for seven off their maximum 40 overs on the back of B3 Rodney Ramrattan and 64 from B2 Adrian Raggoonann.

Donnol Shim, two for 32, took most wickets for Jamaica.

Jamaica, in their response, started confidently with Myles and fellow opener B2 Gregory Stewart putting on 141 for the opening wicket before the latter was bowled by Jennson Poyah for 54.

Myles and Ricketts, showing a great deal of composure in their shot selection, then guided the team home without any further difficulty.

The teams will now turn their attention to the tournament's Twenty20 Cup, which will get under way tomorrow at Melbourne Oval and conclude at the same venue on Thursday.

Jamaica are the two-time defending champions of the Twenty20 Cup.