Jamaica beat Leeward Islands
Published:Monday | January 12, 2009 | 9:16 AM
Newcomer Gavin Wallace took a record eight-wicket haul yesterday to bowl title-holders Jamaica to a six-wicket victory over Leeward Islands on the third day of their first-round regional four-day match at Warner Park in St Kitts.
The Leewards had appeared to tighten their grip on the game when they claimed a 71-run first innings advantage yesterday. Jamaica chasing the Leewards’ first innings total of 298 were bowled out for 227 after resuming on 201 for seven.
Leewards’ Leg-spinner Anthony Martin finished as the top bowler with solid figures of five for 48 off 23 overs.
Batting a second time, the Leewards collapsed to 91 all out with Kieran Powell top scoring with 53. Leg spinner Wallace was the chief destroyer with career-best figures of eight for 20 off 10 overs.
Set 163 to win, Jamaica strode to a comfortable victory for the loss of four wickets. Opening batsman Danza Hyatt top scored with 46.
The victory gave the Jamaicans maximum 12 points and a share of the early championship lead with the Windwards Islands, which crushed Guyana by an innings in Grenada.
Trinidad and Tobago, leading by 65 runs on first innings, reached 120 for one at the close of the third day against Barbados.