Melbourne, JDF square off in title clash

Kensington Park is expected to be abuzz with excitement today with the playing of the final of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Captain's Bakery Limited-Overs Championship between the Andre McCarthy-led Melbourne and the Wayne Cuff-led Jamaica Defence Force.

The clash, which is slated to get under way at 9:30 a.m., will see Melbourne putting their four-match unbeaten record on the line, while the JDF will be hoping to continue their gradual improvement and build on their record of three wins and a loss.

"I think we have played very well to be where we are now, and we are looking to just take things one step further," said Melbourne's coach Robert Samuels.

"We had a close semi-final against St Catherine, who came within six runs of defeating us, but I thought the team showed character to hold on, and once we play in such a manner again in the final, we have a good chance of coming out on top," he declared.

Melbourne, who in addition to McCarthy will look to hard-hitting opener John Ross Campbell, batsman Sadiki Bolt, brother of Usain Bolt, and in-form all-rounder Damion Jacobs for greatest inspiration, and also be looking to retain the title they lost to St Ann last year.

The JDF, on the other hand, who have not won a national title in recent times, will be hoping that national pacer Sheldon Cotterell and former national Under-19 left-arm wrist spinner Dennis Bulli will continue their good form so far this season.

"Based on a lack of training we had at the start of the season, we were not expecting to reach this far in the competition. But after losing our first game we kept on improving, and now we have a chance to win," said JDF's coach Wayne Cuff.

"Dedication and team effort have been at the forefront of performances so far, and the guys are very hungry, so I am expecting the final to be close and exciting," he added.

The winners will take home $200,000, runners-up $100,000, and the man of the match $7,500.