CAPTAIN Paul Palmer’s unbeaten half-century guided University of the West Indies (UWI) to victory over Zone C opponents Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) at Up Park Camp in yesterday’s Round Two action of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) 50-over championship.

On a rain-affected day of cricket, JDF made 177 all out in 36 overs and five balls after the number of overs they were set to face was reduced to 39 due to time lost.

Set 189 runs to get from 39 overs after the Duckworth & Lewis (D&L) method was used to adjust the target, Palmer anchored the innings with a composed 71 not out. The left-hander, a former Jamaica youth captain, hit five fours and a six as UWI won by eight wickets via the D&L method.

Scores: JDF 177 (36.5 overs); UWI 191-2 (34.4 overs – D&L).

Earlier, UWI won the toss and sent the hosts to take first strike.

Marlon Pinnock’s 72 was the mainstay of the JDF total. His swashbuckling knock included half a dozen sixes and three fours.

Sean Bennette was next best scorer with 25, while Leighton Leslie made 24.

Medium pacer Ravmon Powell snatched 3-35 off 6 overs and five balls, while Omar Samuels ended with 2-47 off eight.

In reply, UWI’s openers Sadique Henry (20) and Palmer added 31 runs before the former was dismissed.

Palmer then added 117 runs for the second wicket with fellow left-hander Javaughn Buchanan (43).

In the Zone D encounter at Sabina Park, the hosts Kingston CC romped to a lopsided 179-run victory over Lucas CC as medium pacer Garth Garvey made merry with an eight-wicket haul.

Scores: Kingston 256-9 (47 overs); Lucas 77 (22.4 over).

Batting first, Kingston’s skipper Brandon King led the way with 83 from 106 balls in the team’s 256-9.

During Kingston’s innings, Fabian Forbes was struck in the face by a bouncer from Dwayne Guthrie and retired hurt. Forbes got medical attention and recovered sufficiently to bowl for his team.

King, the former national youth standout, who struck eight fours and a six, was supported by wicketkeeper/batsman Allan Roper who hit 53 not out off 72 deliveries.

For Lucas, medium pacer Rushane Bird took 4-46 off 10 overs, while Raewin Senior grabbed 3-42 off seven.

In response, Lucas, who beat neighbours Kensington CC in last week’s opening round, had no answer to Garvey as he cut through their batting line-up in cool and overcast conditions.

Garvey ended with magical figures of 8-12 off 6 overs and four balls.

In another Zone D match, national fast bowler Jason Dawes helped Kensington to a seven-wicket win over old rivals Melbourne CC at Kensington Park.

Scores: Melbourne 96 (26.3 overs); Kensington 97-3 (23.5 overs).

— Sanjay Myers