KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Scorpions’ batsmen were again found wanting as Leeward Islands Hurricanes dismissed the hosts for 197 in the first innings of the ninth-round regional four-day game at Sabina Park.

But the hosts fought back with the ball in the final session of Thursday’s opening day to restrict the Hurricanes to 60-4 by close of play.

Scores: Scorpions 197 (59.1 ovs); Hurricanes 60-4 (30 ovs).

Former West Indies Under-19 player Keacy Carty, not out on 20, and wicketkeeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton, on 17, are the batsmen set to take the crease when play resumes Friday at 10:00 am. Scorpions’ leg break bowler Damion Jacobs was the architect of a top-order collapse, snaring 3-41.

In the Scorpions’ innings, the West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood looked in supreme touch in a top-score of 81, but none of his teammates reached 30 in yet another tepid batting display this season.

The Hurricanes’ swing bowler Sheeno Berridge was easily the pick of the bowlers with 4-46. Teams:

Scorpions — Nikita Miller (captain), John Campbell, Assad Fudadin, Jermaine Blackwood, Brandon King, Paul Palmer, Fabian Allen, Chadwick Walton, Derval Green, Damion Jacobs, Marquino Mindley. Hurricanes— Kieran Powell, Devon Thomas, Montcin Hodge, Jahmar Hamilton, Akeem Saunders, Sheeno Berridge, Jeremiah Loius, Chaim Holder, Keacy Carty, Shane Burton, Mervin Mathew.

Sanjay Myers