Scorpions fightback ends with a whimper

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

THE JAMAICA Scorpions third-day fightback in their West Indies Championship on Friday ended with a whimper yesterday at Sabina Park, the Guyana Harpy Eagles dismissing them for 274 and enjoying a massive 214-run win.

The Trinidad & Tobago Red Force also secured a win yesterday, relegating the West Indies Academy to a 125-run defeat.

At Sabina Park, the Scorpions, chasing an improbable 489 runs resumed on 179 for three, still requiring another 310.

The wheels came off the wagon fairly quickly with Javelle Glenn the first wicket to go, caught off Ronaldo Alimohamed for 14, with just 10 runs added to the morning session.

Overnight batsman Kirk Mckenzie, who was unbeaten on 104, showed some resistance, scoring 147, however, the Scorpions capitulated after lunch thanks to spin twins Guadakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul.

The left-handed Mckenzie hit 15 fours and five sixes in his 249-ball knock, but wickets just kept tumbling for the Scorpions, who were eventually dismissed for 274 in 85 overs.

Motie finished with figures of 4-69 off 25 overs while Permaul took 3-50 from 17. Seamer Alimohamed also picked up 3-42 off 12 overs to finish with match figures of 9-69.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground, Off-spinner Bryan Charles delivered a sensational performance with the ball, ending with 6-47 on the way to bowling out the West Indies Academy for 152, well short of their 278-run target.

The Academy side, who had shown promise with a solid first-innings total of 268, were left reeling as Charles and co turned the game decisively in Red Force’s favour.

The day began with Red Force resuming their second innings at 218-9, adding just 23 runs before being bowled out for 241. This set the stage for what appeared to be a challenging chase for the Academy.

From the moment Charles took the ball, the Academy’s hopes began to crumble.

He struck early, removing key batsmen Mbeki Joseph (14), Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (7), and Jordan Johnson (0) in quick succession. At the other end, pace bowler Anderson Phillip complemented Charles’ brilliance by dismissing Justin Jagessar (4) and Rivaldo Clarke (1). Captain Ackeem Auguste provided some resistance with a gritty 30, but his dismissal left the Academy side in tatters at 77-6.

After Jayden Seales sent back Joshua Bishop for 12, The lower order offered little resistance as Charles wrapped up the innings.