Bernard leads Jamaica to first innings
Basseterre, St Kitts — Dave Bernard Junior’s unbeaten 45 led Jamaica to first innings points over the Leeward Islands at Warner Park on Day 3 of the Round 2, Regional 4-Day match.
The visitors started the day on 212/3, still trailing the Leewards’ first innings total of 322 by 110 runs. Jamaica lost overnight centurion, John Campbell for 110. He only added seven runs.
That started a slide in wickets as Jamaica went from 228/4 to 262/7. But Bernard Junior held the innings together, stroking five fours during his 97-ball knock.
He received good support from Jamie Merchant, who chipped in 26 runs, hitting four boundaries and a six. Last man Andrew Richardson would also prove to be a willing partner, scoring 20 from just 14 balls.
Jamaica was bowled out for 351 runs, giving themselves a lead of 29 runs to take into the second innings of the match. Anthony Martin was Leewards’ best bowler, finishing with 4-77.
In their second turn at the crease, the Leewards found themselves in early trouble. By the time they had knocked off the 29-run deficit and led by one run, they were already two wickets down.
The score soon became 40/3 as Joseph was bowled by Merchant. However, the hosts were rescued by Captain Kieran Powell and wicket-keeper/batsman, Devon Thomas.
Thomas finished Day 3 unbeaten on 53. It was a quick knock, coming off just 59 balls and including seven fours and a six. At the other end, Powell was more patient, finishing on 33 not out.
He has spent well over two hours at the crease and has hit four boundaries. The partnership is worth 77 runs with the Leewards reaching Stumps on Day 3 at 117/3.
Jerome Taylor, Andrew Richardson and Jamie Merchant have all picked up one wicket each. The fourth and final day starts at 3pm Eastern Caribbean Time tomorrow.
Summarized Scores:
Leeward Islands 1st Innings: 205/6 (90 Overs). Kieran Powell* 91, Tonito Willett 51*, Hayden Walsh Junior 20*, Mali Richards 17; Tamar Lambert 16-8-24-2, Andrew Richardson 18-3-34-2, Jerome Taylor 17-5-33-2, Jamie Merchant 9-6-12-0.
Jamaica 1st Innings: 351 All Out (106.5 Overs). John Campbell 110, Dave Bernard Jr 45*, Tamar Lambert* 37, Nkrumah Bonner 24; Anthony Martin 36-9-77-4, Gavin Tonge 20.5-3-65-3, Kelbert Walters 21-4-68-2, Tonito Willett 18-6-70-1.
Leeward Islands 2nd Innings: 117/3 (37 Overs). Devon Thomas 53*, Kieran Powell* 33*, Mali Richards 11, Sylvester Joseph 8; Jerome Taylor 8-3-20-1, Andrew Richardson 2-1-5-1, Jamie Merchant 12-4-40-1, John Campbell 1-0-2-0.
Stumps, Day 3