Police arrest Lucas in JCA 50-over top-of-the-table clash

Police took one step further to booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) All-island limited-overs tournament following their 21-run win over Lucas in their top-of-the-table clash at Nelson Oval on Saturday.

Both teams entered the third round unbeaten following back-to-back victories in the Surrey A group, but visitors Police snatched the win in their low-scoring affair.

Batting first, the lawmen managed to get to 138 all out in 25.2 overs, this after they were reeling at 87 for nine. Number 11 batsman Johnois Sappleton blasted 32 from as many deliveries, despite five wickets for 35 runs from under-19 national player Michael Clarke.

Spinner Shemar Edwards then bagged five wickets to restrict Lucas to 117 all out in 36.3 overs, with Ricardo McGeachy top-scoring with 25.

Across the road at Kensington Park, the hosts went down by one wicket to St Thomas, who saw West Indies batsman Nkrumah Bonner scoring a match-winning, unbeaten century to seal the win for the eastern parish side.

Kensington first posted 238 for nine in their allotted 50 overs, with Corey Hinds leading the way with 67 and young Savio Jones scoring an unbeaten 44 against three wickets for 35 runs from Keno Wallace.

Bonner then scored a masterful 123 not out to see St Thomas over the line at 241 for nine in 49 overs, with the right-hander hitting 13 fours and three sixes. Alex Hinds and Danniel Griffith took three wickets each.

Elsewhere in Surrey A, St Catherine CC had a 66-run win over Boys’ Town at Chedwin Park. The home side chalked up 219 all out, with Howard Palmer getting 48. Boys’ Town were then restricted to 153 all out, despite 55 from Kyle Rudolph. Vitel Lawes bagged four wickets for 40 runs.

Over in Surrey B, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) continued their winning ways as they brushed aside Mico by eight wickets. Mico were first blown away for 74, with Dennis Bulli grabbing four wickets for 24 runs, after which national batsman Tevin Gilzene hit 37 to lead JDF to 76 for two in 8.2 overs.

Over in the Cornwall zone, St Elizabeth had a huge 179-run win over Westmorland at the Manley Horne ground. St Elizabeth posted 306 for nine, with national player Marquino Mindley getting 57. Damion Ebanks then took three wickets to skittle out Westmoreland for 127.

In the Middlesex group, St Mary Cricket Association chalked up a five-wicket win over St Catherine Cricket Association. St Catherine CA made 132 all out and St Mary replied with 133 for five in 25.4 overs.