rjrnewsonline.com
By Patrick R. Anderson
Devon Thomas did it almost by himself.
And missed out on a deserved century by 1 run.
The former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Devon Thomas scored 99 not out to follow up his first innings 65, to lead the Leewards Hurricanes to a 4-wicket victory over Jamaica Franchise at Warner Park in St. Kitts Monday morning, the 4th and final day of their regional WICB PCL tournament fixture.
Chasing 165 to win and resuming on 139-6 (Thomas on 78) and needing a further 26 to win, the bottom placed Hurricanes registered their first win this season, by progressing to their target without incident at 168-6.
It demonstrated the depths to which the Jamaica Franchise has plummeted, following the heady days of completing 5-regional 4-day championships in a row back in 2012.
Final scores: Jamaica Franchise 175 and 274, Chadwick Walton 72, Anthony Martin 5-76; Leewards Hurricanes 285 and 168-6.
At Kensington Oval, the fast rising Windwards Volcanoes entered Monday's 4th day on 394-8, trailing Barbados Pride (480 all out) by 86 runs. The match is headed for a draw barring some heroics or a dramatic batting collapse by either side.
Devon Smith made 151 (17x4s, 1x6) and Tyrone Theophile 125 (17x4s, 2x6s) as the pair posted 269 for the first wicket. Ashley Nurse entered Monday with figures of 4-90.
Scores entering Monday's 4th and final day: Barbados Pride 480 all out; Windwards Volcanoes 394-8.
And at the National Cricket Centre in Providence, tournament leaders Guyana Jaguars resumed on 120-3, an overall lead of 71.
Assad Fudadin made 50 and Leon Johnson 28, all these players in contention for places on the West Indies team for the home series against England and Australia in that order, after the World Cup ends.
Scores entering Monday's 4th and final day: Guyana Jaguars 291 and 120-3; Trinidad & Tobago 340 all out, after resuming on 173-4 on Sunday. Yannick Ottley made 82 and wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo 70 not out against Devendra Bishoo 6-72.
There was a rain stoppage of 42 minutes during the morning session on Sunday.
