KINGSTON, Jamaica — A gallant batting fight-back gave Windward Islands Volcanoes the edge against Jamaica Scorpions heading into Monday’s fourth and final day of the regional first-class match at Sabina Park.

At the close on Sunday, the Volcanoes were 176-4, needing 111 runs for victory with six wickets in hand on a pitch that has improved for batting as the day/night encounter has gone on.

The not out batsmen are Captain Kirk Edwards, who has lived a charmed life to get to 35, and Kavem Hodge, on 15.

Earlier in the match, Volcanoes had been dismissed for 113 in reply to the Scorpions’ 210 all out. Batting a second time, the Scorpions had finished their innings on 189 all out on Sunday, giving them a lead of 286 runs.

The Scorpions left-hand batsman Assad Fudadin, who made 81 in the first innings, top-scored with 48 the second time around. The Volcanoes tall pacer Josh Edwards claimed 4-44.

Scores: Scorpions 210 (77.1 overs) & 189 (50 overs); Volcanoes 113 (48.5 overs) & 176-4 (69 overs)

On Sunday, the Scorpions resumed from their overnight score of 130-6 with Fudadin and wicketkeeper/batsman Aldaine Thomas at the crease.

Fudadin, who kept things simple, seemed to master the conditions better than any batsman on either side. And his batting partner Thomas followed that template.

The pair batted well in conditions that appeared easier than on the first two days when there was grip for spinners on considerable sideways movement for the pacers.

They stretched their seventh-wicket partnership to 52 runs before a surprised Thomas (31) was given out LBW by umpire Leslie Reifer with the score on 178.

Thomas, who was using his feet well against the slower bowlers, had taken a couple steps down the wicket to a delivery from left-arm orthodox spinner Kavem Hodge, but was not quite to the pitch and opted to play a defensive shot. He was rapped on the pad and umpire Reifer delayed just a moment before upholding the loud appeal from the Volcanoes.

Nikita Miller (nought) and Oshane Thomas (one) did not stick around for long as the Scorpions stumbled to 181-9.

Fudadin was a picture of concentration throughout his innings but just like the first innings, he was the last man out, going for a big hit. Josh Thomas was the bowler as Larry Edward took a comfortable catch at mid-off. He faced 173 balls and hit four fours. 

In the Volcanoes’ run-chase, opener Taryck Gabriel went for 19 when he mishit a hoick over the leg side, but could only offer a catch to John Campbell who held on well after running back from mid-wicket.

Smith found a reliable companion in Roland Cato and the two added 68 runs for the second wicket, carrying the Volcanoes safely to the supper break.

Smith went in the final session for a well-played 44, edging a turning delivery from off-spinner John Campbell to slip. He struck five fours in his 129-ball stay.

Kirk Edwards was dropped by Oshane Thomas at mid-off off the bowling of Campbell when the batsman was on 13. And just before close of play he survived another chance as the Scorpions appeared to lose concentration.

Roland Cato was also given a life on 45 when Campbell dropped him off his own bowling.

But he was sent back for a gritty 54 when he was drawn forward by medium pacer Rovman Powell into a mistimed drive high to Chadwick Walton at cover.

Sunil Ambris went cheaply, playing around his front pad against a full delivery from Powell to be trapped LBW.

However, with the Scorpions closing in, Edwards and Hodge battled to the close without further loss.

Sanjay Myers