BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Jamaica’s fifth straight win in the Regional Four-Day Championship on Monday has left the remainder of teams scrapping for the three semi-final spots now up for grabs in the competition.
The four-time defending champions crushed Trinidad and Tobago by 192 runs just after lunch on the final day at Queen’s Park Oval, to stretch their lead at the top.
They have now have 60 points, 24 clear of the second placed Guyana. Though they will sit out the next round of matches with a bye, they are assured of finishing the preliminary round on top the standings.
This scenario opens up a race for the remaining spots in the final four, with each team still in with a chance of qualifying.
Despite holding second spot in the standings, Guyana will have to ensure they beat Trinidad and Tobago in the next round starting Friday to guarantee themselves a semi-final spot, as they sit out the last round with a bye.
The remaining teams all have access to 24 points as they will be fully engaged in the next two rounds.
T&T lie third on 28 points, Barbados are fourth with 24, Windward Islands have 16 while Leeward Islands and Combined Campuses and Colleges are both on 12 points and will need a virtual miracle to reach the last four.
Also in the next round, Barbados host Leeward Islands at Kensington Oval while the Windwards face CCC at the National Stadium in Grenada.
MP W L Pts
Jamaica 5 5 – 60
Guyana 5 3 2 36
T&T 4 2 2 28
Barbados 4 2 2 24
Windwards 4 1 3 16
CCC 4 1 3 12
Leewards 4 1 3 12
Sixth round:
Barbados vs Leeward Islands at Kensington Oval
Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana at Queen’s Park Oval
Windward Islands vs Combined Campuses and Colleges at Grenada National Stadium