Sport

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

For the second year running, Manchester Lions were crowned champions of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Super League after defeating Melbourne Kangaroos on first innings in their seventh and final round clash at Courtney Walsh Drive yesterday.

The Lions, who were presented with the JCA trophy after the game, triumphed after restricting Melbourne to 243 in their first innings, 101 runs short of their first innings score of 344.

Melbourne, asked to follow-on, then closed at 200-4 with Marlon Samuels making an entertaining 107 and Carlton Baugh Jr., 52 not out.

St Catherine Saints, the other team who along with Melbourne, had a shot at the title heading into yesterday's final day of the season, failed to repeat their 2008 heroics as they could not secure an outright win over Westmoreland Wizards at Little London.

Resuming on their overnight score of 122-4 in chase of Westmoreland's first innings score of 203, St Catherine went on to make 294 with Tamar Lambert getting 75 against Ralston Levy, 4-70.

Westmoreland, however, who needed a draw to survive relegation, batted stoutly in their second innings before they were dismissed for 267. St Catherine, needing 176 in their second innings to force an outright win, reached 39-3 when stumps were drawn.

A total team effort

"It really feels good to come out victorious again," said Lions' captain, Gary Graham.

"It was a total team effort this season and credit must especially go to our bowlers, led by spinners David Powell and Jamie Merchant, who performed consistently well."

Melbourne's captain, Baugh, who along with Samuels treated those who were on hand yesterday to delightful strokeplay, said his team failed to apply themselves effectively.

Said Baugh: "We lacked application both when we fielded and batted. Manchester, on the other hand, did what they needed to do and are worthy winners."

In Melbourne's first innings, Donovan Pagon, who was 45 not out overnight, went on to topscore with 74, while Andre McCarthy, who resumed on 41, made 70.

Accurate left-arm

Powell, bowling steady and accurate left-arm orthodox spin, took his figures from 2-54 overnight to 5-107, while Merchant, bowling off-spin, claimed 4-64.

In other results, St Elizabeth Warriors defeated Kingston Tigers outright to condemn them to a play-off with JCA Senior Cup runners-up St Mary for a place in next season's championship.

Trelawny Buccaneers, whose match against St Ann Cutters at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium was not played due to the reported unavailability of their home venue, is to await a decision from the JCA Competitions and Complaints Committee to see whether the match will be replayed or if they will be relegated to next season's Senior Cup.