CWI Regional Four-Day: Jamaica and Guyana clash ends in draw dispite Campbell’s 98

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

In what is described as batting paradise, the fourth round of the West Indies Regional Four-Day championships ended in a draw between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions. In the match played at Diego Martin Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica ended on 271-6 after 80 overs, with players shaking hands at 16:18h.

This result meant that Guyana Harpy Eagles chances of winning the title is of the slimmest of margins, as Barbaods Pride and Leeward Islands recorded thumping fourth round wins in their respective matches. On day four, Scorpions captain and opener John Campbell missed out on a century, scoring 98 while Leroy Lugg made his maiden half-century to highlight the final day.

The day began with Guyana Harpy Eagles declaring overnight on 584-7, with a lead of 191 runs. Jamaica Scorpions openers, Campbell and Lugg came and pulled the plug, scoring runs at ease in batting paradise. In the first hour of the day, Jamaica scored 56 runs without loosing a wicket. The duo clubbed the Harpy Eagles’ to all parts, with balls landing on different rooftops.
Gudakesh Motie was introduced from the Southern end, and he got pass the defence of both openers in his first over. While some deliveries kept low, the pitch was offering nothing for the bowlers. Lugg reached his half-century from 63 balls with consecutive fours from Demetri Cameron, who was using the short-ball ploy.

In Veerasammy Permaul’s first over of the day, Lugg, who was loose in his defense missed a straight ball and he was bowled for 67 from 72 balls. His maiden half-century included six maximums and five fours. The opening partnership yielded 105 runs. At lunch, Blackwood and Campbell took Scorpions to 111-1 after 27 overs, trailing by 80 runs at that stage.
In the afternoon session, Motie hit the right areas and bowled at a good pace. Meanwhile, Blackwood and Campbell milked the bowling. The duo looked comfortable against Kevin Sinclair, dancing down the track and lifting him over his head.

Motie then forced Blackwood to play a false shot. He was caught at mid-on for 28, an innings that included five fours. Blackwood and Campbell added 64 runs together for the second wicket.
At 169-2, Oraine Williams partnered his skipper, Campbell, but the probing Motie trapped Williams at the crease for one. The build-up was perfect from Motie, who was appealing almost every delivery for a leg-before, in that over.
Campbell looked comfortable but his partner, Paul Palmer was tentative at the initial stage of his innings. He was dropped at first slip by Leon Johnson. Campbell reached the nervous nineties and was dropped by Akshaya Persaud on 94 off Motie. He eventually played back and across and was trapped in front for 98 from 155 balls including 11 fours and one six.

Paul Palmer and Alwyn Williams then came and ensured no further hiccups taking Jamaica to 216-4 at tea with a lead of 25 runs. The Harpy Eagles were not sharp in the field but the wickets came after some accurate bowling. Permaul ended the 41-run stand when he removed Alwyn Williams caught behind at 248-5. Four runs later, Palmer was removed for 26, edging one behind off a good Paul delivery. Derval Green and Aldane Thomas were unbeaten on 10 and four respectively when both teams shook hands, and held out for a draw.
Permaul was the pick of the bowlers with 3-61 from 28 overs, including seven maidens. The Guyana Harpy Eagles will now play Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from June 1 at Queens Park Oval in the fifth and final round.