KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Seasoned campaigners Carlton Baugh Jr and Nikita Miller gathered half-centuries under pressure to give Jamaica Scorpions the advantage but Shane Jeffers’ unbeaten fifty kept Leeward Islands Hurricanes afloat on the second day of their fourth round game in the Regional First Class Championship here yesterday.
Tottering on 69 for six overnight in response to Hurricanes’ 164 all out, Scorpions rallied through Baugh’s 73 and Miller’s 51, to rally to 243 all out and a healthy lead of 79 on first innings at Sabina Park.
Jeffers then carved out an unbeaten 55 to guide the visitors to 112 for three at the close.
Hurricanes lead by 33 runs overall heading into the penultimate day.
The day belonged to Baugh and Miller, however, as they revived the home side and laid the foundation for a possible victory.
Baugh, playing in his 119th first class game, called on all his vast experience as he and Miller put on 126 for the seventh wicket.
The 33-year-old, a former West Indies wicketkeeper, struck seven fours in a knock which needed 166 deliveries and which spanned just under four hours.
Miller, meanwhile, in his 75th first class contest, faced 119 balls in just over 2-1/2 hours at the crease, and counted five fours.
Together, they lifted Scorpions to 162 for six at lunch but Miller fell in the sixth over after the resumption at 178 for six, caught at the wicket off off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall who finished with four for 76.
Baugh, on eight at the start, lost Damion Jacobs cheaply for six but put on 49 for the ninth wicket with Sheldon Cottrell, who lashed a cameo 35 from 32 balls, to give the innings a strong finish.
Impressive 19-year-old fast bowler Alzarri Joseph claimed three for 46 while veteran pacer Gavin Tonge finished with three for 76.
Hurricanes were then given a handy start of 71 by Jeffers and English County pro Chesney Hughes who got 25, before losing three wickets for 41 runs.
