Scorpions shine on opening day vs WI Academy
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The fifth round of the West Indies Championship bowled off on Wednesday with thrilling performances across four venues.
At the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, the Jamaica Scorpions flexed their batting muscles, posting 332-7 against the West Indies Academy thanks to a solid century from returning captain John Campbell.
The left-handed opener Campbell hit 101, which included 15 fours and two sixes in 126 balls. He was ably supported by Javelle Glenn who made 68 and Odean Smith 51. Brad Barnes remained unbeaten on 44, ensuring the Scorpions finished the day in a strong position. Akeem Auguste has so far taken 2-45 and Jediah Blades 2-46.
Over at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force seized control against host Barbados Pride, while the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions posted imposing totals in their respective matches.
The Red Force asserted their dominance over the Pride, finishing the day with a commanding lead of 96 runs and six wickets still in hand. The Pride were bundled out for a paltry 86 in just 26.2 overs, with pacer Anderson Phillip leading the charge for the Red Force by bagging 4-36. Joshua James weighed in with 3-8 and Jayden Seales snared 2-32, dismantling the Pride’s batting line-up. Only Kemar Roach 21 and Shai Hope 16. offered any real resistance.
In reply, the Red Force reached 182-4 at stumps, thanks to a solid half-century from Kamil Pooran 60 and an unbeaten 37 from Amir Jangoo. Cephas Cooper also chipped in with 32, as Jason Holder took 2-35 for the Pride.
At the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes put on a batting masterclass, amassing 367-5 against the Combined Campuses and Colleges. Jewel Andrew stole the show with a magnificent 122, while Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 104.
The pair batted superbly by adding 200 runs for the fifth wicket before Andrew fell to Romario Greaves after hitting 12 fours and three sixes in his 139-ball knock. Greaves has so far stroked seven fours in his 196 ball knock.
Karima Gore 65 and Kadeem Henry 35, also contributed to the Hurricanes’ imposing total. Chemar Holder has so far claimed 2-85.
At the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, Rain played spoiler for most of the day, as the Windward Islands Volcanoes ended at 77-2 in their clash against Guyana Harpy Eagles. Jeremy Solozano is unbeaten on 43, while Kavem Hodge contributed 17.
