GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Seasoned batsman John Campbell stroked 92 but Jamaica suffered a wretched batting collapse to let Leeward Islands back into their third round TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge match  yesterday.

Jamaica seemed en route to an imposing total at 178 for two after lunch on the second day of the contest at the Beausejour Stadium before losing their last eight wickets for 68 runs to crash to a disappointing 246 all out.

Leewards grabbed the opportunity to hit back and closed at 98 for two, a lead of eight runs with the final day looming today.

Resuming the day strongly positioned at 94 for one in response to the Leewards’ first innings of 156, Jamaica were propelled by a steady partnership between Campbell and Paul Palmer.
With Campbell batting soundly, Palmer grabbed the opportunity to stroke 63 as they extended their partnership to 155 for the second wicket, taking Jamaica to lunch at 163 for one.

Captain Adelvin Phillip (2-43) then struck a double blow, removing both Palmer and Campbell in the space of five runs to spark the collapse.

While Brian Gayle was run out for six at 193 for four, Vaneil Bromfield was caught behind 10 runs later off Shane Burton who finished with two for 36.

Tevin Osbourne then ran through the lower order to finish with three for 51.

In Leewards’ second turn at the crease, Darren Benta went cheaply without scoring to fast bowler Nicholson Gordon with the score on one but Akeem Saunders (27 not out), Jamal Fernandez (26 not out) and Burton (24) steadied the innings.

Saunders and Fernandez have already posted a handsome, unbroken 62-run stand for the third wicket.