GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Test players Jermaine Blackwood and Chadwick Walton stroked half-centuries to propel Jamaica Franchise but leaders Guyana Jaguars hit back strongly to take a share of the honours on the opening day of their WICB PCL eighth round match here today.
Opting to bat first, Jamaica were bowled out for 258 with Blackwood and Walton both hitting the joint top score of 58.
Opener John Campbell chimed in with 48, captain Tamar Lambert hit 34 and Brandon King got 27.
Their efforts allowed Jamaica to cruise to 230 for four at one stage but the spin twin of Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo combined to wreck the lower end of the innings, as the visitors lost their last six wickets for 28 runs.
Left-arm spinner Permaul picked up five for 77 while Bishoo claimed four for 62, in outstanding performances after Jamaica threatened a large total at the National Stadium.
At the close, Guyana were already in strong reply at 35 without loss from the nine overs possible.
Assad Fudadin was unbeaten on 18 and was partnered by Rajindra Chandrika on 16, with Guyana requiring a further 224 runs to overhaul their target.
Jamaica started poorly, losing Shacaya Thomas for one with as many on the board, to a catch at gully by Vishaul Singh off seamer Chris Barnwell.
Blackwood and Campbell then combined to repair the damage in an 87-run second wicket stand, which blunted Guyana’s attack.
The right-handed Blackwood produced a breezy cameo, facing 48 balls and striking ten fours while the left-handed Campbell spent 97 balls at the crease, faced 69 deliveries and counted four fours and two sixes.
Permaul eventually claimed both to leave Jamaica rebuilding at lunch at 113 for three and after the break, Walton and Lambert further steadied the innings with a 76-run, fourth wicket partnership.
Walton consumed 106 balls and 2-1/4 hours at the crease and hit eight fours while Lambert faced 110 deliveries in 129 minutes and counted four fours and a six.
Once again, Permaul intervened, removing both batsmen but only after Walton had added 45 for the fifth wicket with King who hammered four fours and a six in a brisk 35-ball innings.
Walton’s dismissal, lbw to Permaul, proved the turning point, however, and Bishoo ran through the lower order to hurt Jamaica.