KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The in-form pair of Brandon King and Jermaine Blackwood produced yet another half-century partnership to pull Jamaica Scorpions out of trouble against Leeward Islands Hurricanes, on the opening day of their ninth round match here yesterday.
Responding to the visitors’ 210 at Sabina Park after left-arm spinner Nikita Miller had snatched a seven-wicket haul, Scorpions were floundering on 23 for two before recovering through the efforts of King and Blackwood, who saw their side to 77 without further loss at the close. King was unbeaten on 35 from 67 balls with four fours while Blackwood was naturally attacking in 31 not out off 40 deliveries, also with four boundaries. The partnership has so far yielded an invaluable 54 for the third wicket.
In the last round, the pair combined in an unbroken 143-run, third wicket stand to propel Scorpions to an eight-wicket win over four-time defending champions Guyana Jaguars.
Devon Thomas had earlier top-scored with 65, his 20th first class half-century, to keep Hurricanes afloat after Miller, who missed the last several rounds, hurt the innings with seven for 50.
Wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton struck 43, in-form opener Montcin Hodge got 35 while prolific all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall chipped in with 21.
Hurricanes started shakily despite Hodge’s efforts to be 60 for three before Thomas and Hamilton came together in a 96-run, fourth wicket stand to revive the innings.
Thomas’s knock was an up-tempo one, belting six fours and two sixes off 89 deliveries while Hamilton exuded patience in 119 balls at the crease, counting four fours.
Once Thomas fell, however, Hurricanes lost their last seven wickets for 54 runs.
