Newly appointed captain John Campbell believes the Jamaica Scorpions need to bat well in both innings of a match if they are get improve their chances of winning.
The opening batsman, who was on debut as leader of the Scorpions at the weekend, made the assessment following his team’s eight-wicket loss to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the seventh round of the WICB Regional First-Class Tournament at Sabina Park yesterday.
Set a victory target of 175 and resuming in a commanding 113 for one on the fourth day, the Red Force went on to achieve victory inside the first hour of play, scoring 178 for two.
They had made 206 in their first innings in reply to 225 made by Jamaica, who in their second innings posted 155.
“In most of the matches, we bat well one time, and we need to take a look at that and try to rectify that,” stated Campbell, who took over from dropped opener Paul Palmer Jr.
“We had a slight lead, but setting a (victory) target of 175 was just not good enough. I think that is where we fell short: our batting in the second innings.”
OUTSTANDING OPENER
Leading the way for the Gus Logie-coached Red Force was outstanding opener Evin Lewis, who followed up his first-innings 87 with an accomplished 104.
Starting the day on 66, along with Kyle Hope, 17, the 24-year-old Lewis went on to net his second first-class century before he was dismissed seven runs shy of victory. His innings included nine fours and a six.
Hope ended with 27 not out, and with him at the end was Yannic Carriah on six.
“The hope was to pick up some early wickets and see what would happen, but that didn’t happen for us,” cited Campbell.
“It is very disappointing as it now is the second game we have lost in a row in the second half (of the tournament).”
Jamaica, with this, their fourth loss, are now out of the title race. In their previous match, they lost to cellar-dwellers Leeward Islands Hurricanes by 82 runs the previous weekend.
The Red Force, the reigning regional one-day champions, entered the round as non-title contenders. The win improved their record to two wins, three losses and two draws.
“It is good to see us rebound from our loss to the leaders Guyana Jaguars, the last round,” said Logie.
“It was good game, one in which I thought we won by virtue of a good second innings bowling performance. Led by Jon-Russ Jagessar, I thought we applied the pressure well.”
Off-spinner Jagessar, playing in his second first-class fixture, finished with a match haul of 11 for 111, following figures of three for 53 and eight for 58 in the respective first and second innings.
