Jermaine Lawson ... took six for 70. - file

GROS Islet, St. Lucia (CMC):

Discarded West Indies fast bowler Jermaine Lawson sent a strong signal to regional selectors with a six-wicket haul which undermined Windward Islands and helped Jamaica to first innings points on the rain-hit third day of the second round Carib Beer Series match yesterday.

At the Beausejour Cricket Ground, Lawson grabbed six for 70 as the Windwards, resuming the day at a promising 196 for four, folded for 251 in response to Jamaica's 289.

His performance was the only bright spark on a day when rain stole a large chunk of play and forced a premature finish just after the tea interval with Jamaica placed at 43 for two, a lead of 81 runs.

The 25-year-old, who has been plagued with problems with his action in the past, wrecked the Windwards innings with a devastating spell of five for 18 from 6.4 overs in the morning session after the hosts seemed poised to take first innings.

He started the rout when he disposed of Hyron Shallow, caught by Brenton Parchment for 39, ending a fifth wicket partnership of 92 with Darren Sammy (80).

20 runs short

Sammy, who resumed at 69, eventually fell 20 runs short of his first regional century bowled by Lawson off the inside edge. His knock included eight fours and came in 197 minutes off 180 balls.

Reduced to 237 for six at that stage, Windwards' hopes of first innings points rested on in-form batsmen, captain Rawl Lewis and the Dominican Liam Sebastien but both failed to deliver.

On reaching double figures, Sebastien (10) essayed an ill-advised pull at a short rising delivery outside off stump from Lawson but only succeeded in providing Nikita Miller with an easy catch running in from mid-on.

Two runs later, Lewis fell for 14 when he inexplicably held out to Andre Russell at long off, attempting a big hit off left-arm spinner Miller who finished with two for 59.

Lewis' wicket was the first of three to fall with the score on 251. Deighton Butler edged Lawson to first slip where Tamar Lambert took a confident catch and Dennis George was last man out edging Lawson to wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr. without scoring.

JAMAICA 1st Innings 289

WINDWARDS 1st Innings

(196 for four overnight)

D. Smith run out