ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Jamaica had to settle for a draw against Windward Islands in the WICB Regional first-class championship yesterday.
Persistent rain never allowed the players to get back onto the field at the Queen’s Park Stadium, after the three-time defending champions, leading by 99 runs on first innings, limped to lunch on 53 for four in their second innings in the second round match.
The weather constantly disrupted the contest, and forced play on Saturday’s second day to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The Jamaicans had to be satisfied with six points for gaining a first innings lead to move to 18 in the Championship, while the Windwards collected three points to increase their tally to seven.
Jamaica will next travel to Barbados, where they will face Ryan Hinds’ team at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown in the third round, when the Windwards host Guyana at the Arnos Vale Multiplex in St. Vincent.
Jamaica ran into early problems, after they resumed from their overnight position of 27 for one.
Marlon Samuels, their most prolific batsman so far this season, was caught behind off left-arm fast-medium bowler Kenroy Peters for the top score of 20.
The visitors sunk to 33 for three, when West Indies left-hander Brendan Nash was caught at first slip off Mervin Matthew for four.
Simon Jackson and Jamaica captain Tamar Lambert resolutely defied the Windwards’ attack, and were minutes away from taking their side safely to lunch.
But left-arm spinner Garey Mathurin struck when he had Jackson caught behind for 12 to give wicketkeeper Lyndon James the last of his three catches.
The weather did not relent after the interval, and the promise of a thrilling finish was washed away.
