Damion Grey, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) captain, said the cricket structure within the army is a major reason for their dominance in the top flight, two-day club competition in recent years.

JDF secured their third title in four years after completing a four-wicket victory over 2016 champions Melbourne CC, on Sunday’s final day of the Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup final at Sabina Park.

“The success in the last few years shows that we have a well put together structure in place at JDF. We are working hard and hoping to dominate for a few more years,” Grey told the Jamaica Observer in a post-match interview on Sunday.

“What separates JDF from most of the other teams is the discipline and commitment towards achieving. We play as a disciplined unit and we fight as a disciplined unit,” the 35-year-old continued.

The army men, previously Senior Cup winners in 2014 and 2015, suffered anxious moments chasing a target of 93 as they slumped to 76-6.

But the veteran Grey, playing his last match for JDF, batted smartly and solidly to thwart Melbourne. The middle order batsman made 20 not out and hit a six to end the run chase in style.

The platform was set from the first innings when Melbourne lost their last nine wickets for 42 runs and were bowled out for 103. Part-time spinner Joseph Palmer snared five wickets, while left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell claimed three, and tall fast bowler Reynard Leveridge had two.

Sean Bennett and Rasheed Outar both made half-centuries in the soldiers’ patient, first-innings reply of 244.

“We were chasing 90-odd and we got in a bit of a tangle and we lost a few quick wickets, but we came over the ropes.

“I think what made the difference was the discipline in the bowling from Cottrell, Leveridge, and Palmer. We had a game plan and we bowled to it, and they [Melbourne’s batsmen] made mistakes,” Grey explained.

“We’re feeling very elated, knowing that we have dethroned the champions. It was a hard-fought victory and Melbourne pushed us all the way, so credit must go to them,” the JDF skipper said.

It was also a fairytale end to a JDF playing career that spanned 15 years. Eight of those years were spent as team captain.

“It’s my farewell as a player and it was definitely crucial. At one stage we were struggling and I was saying ‘we have to get over the ropes’,” declared the JDF corporal.

As it stands, a coaching job slot is waiting for him.

“I wanted to relax but plans have already been put in place to have me as part of the coaching staff, so I’m looking forward to transition to that new role,” Grey said.

Nikita Miller, the Melbourne skipper, praised his opponents for their application over the two days, but believes his team’s flop in the first innings was the crucial point in the game.

“I think the first-innings batting display [let down Melbourne]. We played some irresponsible shots and it led to our downfall. We made only 103 after we were 61-1 on what, I believe, was a pitch that got better after the first half an hour.

“But credit must go to them because they showed fighting spirit and they showed discipline in the first innings. They batted a lot of overs to get to their score, and I have to say congratulations to them and their skipper,” Miller, 35, told the Observer.

The Melbourne captain, who bowls left-arm finger spin, was the main man behind JDF’s stumble in the run chase, with 3-22 off 18 overs. He ended with eight wickets in the match.

Miller, who has international experience with the West Indies team, lauded his players for the fightback on day two.

“In the second innings when we [made 233 in 32 overs] I think it was a valiant effort, because to score that many runs in such a short period is great.

“I also believe that if we made better selections in certain situations we could have got more runs and put them under a great deal more pressure. They had a little over 90 to make and they lost six wickets so if we had 150 or 140 on the board it would have been a far stretch for them,” he reasoned.