Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
Melbourne's wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jnr. (right) leaps while making an unsuccessful appeal for LBW against Lucas' Gary Herbine, during the Supreme Ventures Senior Cup cricket match at Lucas yesterday. Herbine scored 26. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE DUO of rain and bad light saved leaders Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) the embarrassment of an innings defeat to Manchester, as their eighth round Supreme Ventures Super League two-day cricket match ended in an eventful draw at Up Park Camp yesterday.
When stumps were drawn the soldiers, facing a deficit of 184 were in 148 for nine, still 36 runs from making Manchester bat again.
Earlier, the visitors resuming on 247 for eight were dismissed for 260, a total that was built around a fine 113 off just 103 balls from former Jamaica batsman Orville Pennant.
The JDF, who batted first, only managed 76. Batting a second time the soldiers looked to be out of it at 106-7 when the rains came.
The intervention of the weather caused water to seep under the covers, soaking some areas around the pitch. With the home team unable to find saw dust in order to make a resumption possible, the visitors travelled to neighbouring Allman Town to source wood shavings. When play resumed Manchester could only manage to take two wickets as the soldiers fought off Donavan Sinclair (5-39) and Andrew Dwyer (3-49) until the light was offered.
Despite being unable to secure full points Manchester, who moved to 28 points, two behind the JDF, joined the soldiers as the teams to have booked their semi-final berth.
But it was quite the opposite for relegation-threatened Kensington, last year's winners, and St. Catherine Parish, which both remain in deep waters.
With just one set of games remaining, Kensington, who have Manchester next week, linger second from the bottom with 11 points, four more than St. Catherine Parish who are on seven points.
Both teams were only able to pick up a point from their games on the weekend, with Kensington being the more unlucky campaigner.
In their game against St. Elizabeth, Kensington batted first and posted 209 all out with Samuel Douglas getting 58 and Kevin Peart 24 against Wayne Simpson (3-61) and Corey Miller (2-14).
DENIED
They then placed St. Elizabeth against the ropes but the rain intervened and denied Kensington first innings points with St. Elizabeth 114 runs adrift at 95-7.
St. Catherine Parish on the other hand lost first innings points in their rain-affected game at Chedwin Park. After going to bed on 114 for nine, St. Catherine Parish's innings lasted only one delivery yesterday as David Morgan accepted a return catch from Orane Kelly. Morgan claimed 5-63.
In reply, St. Catherine Parish posted 168-6 declared. Dean Morgan 75 (3x6 and 2x4), Devon Brown, 30 (4x6) and Raymore Smith, 20, made the bulk of the runs against Lloyd Rattray (3-36).
Batting a second time, 'Parish' were 49-5 when rain and bad light stopped play. David Morgan and Bevan Brown claimed two wickets each.
Kingston, who got first innings points from St. Mary are on the verge of securing their semi-final spot. Kingston are currently lying in third spot on 26 points, two more than Melbourne.
In their game at Sabina Park, Kingston made 258 all out to which St. Mary replied with 117-9 declared.
The point gained by St. Mary meant that they inched up to 14 points, two behind Lucas who also had their game at Nelson Oval affected by rain.
Lucas' game against Melbourne lasted only 28.4 overs, making it impossible for either side to get more than a point. The entire first day was lost due to a water-logged field. Yesterday, Lucas reached 86-5 before the elements intervened again.
