Manchester batsman Gary Graham loses his balance as he turns the ball to the on-side on his way to scoring a century in their Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Super League match against the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) at Up Park Camp yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Manchester catapulted to the top of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Super Cup standings on 16 points following a seven-wicket win over the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) at Up Park Camp yesterday.

Resuming the day on 91 for one in chase of first innings points, following the JDF's 169 total on Saturday, Manchester went on to post 264 for seven declared. Gary Graham took charge with the bat as he piled on 110 runs, with 11 fours and three sixes.

Zennife Fowler was also handy with the bat, adding 53 runs to the first innings total. Akhbar Moodie spearheaded the JDF bowling attack with figures of two for 59, while Mark Gray snagged two for 66.

Batting a second time the JDF, severely cramped by spin bowler Andre Dwyer, could only manage a frail total of 127. Mel Wint led with the bat, falling just short of a half a century with 47, while Bereston Reid scored 25.

Having already captured first innings points, Manchester were odds on favourites for the outright win, needing only 31 runs from nine overs. However, JDF pacer Warren Meadwinter made sure the Manchester men knew the fight was still on, steaming in to take an amazing three wickets for no run in the first over.

Opener Graham was the first to go, caught close to deep fine leg by substitute Fabian Anderson. Joseph Scott went in the exact manner one ball later and Fowler, though foiling the hat-trick, was caughtbehind by wicketkeeper Wint.

Manchester soon managed to steady the ship and Donovan Sinclair, who showed scant regard for the efforts of Medwinter, and Matthew Sinclair, who was much the same, saw them home and dry. Donovan was not out on 21, while Matthew ended on nine.

At Nelson Oval: Melbourne were able to snatch first innings points from home team Lucas after rain had prevented play on Saturday, to move to fourth on 13 points. Batting first Lucas, struggling on four points, were scuttled out for 66, with Tarik Cousins top scoring on 24. Yanick Elliott bagged four for 14 for Melbourne, while Dwayne Cooper got three for 16.

In reply Melbourne made 127 for two declared, with Damion Jacobs making 58, while Elliot made 54. Batting a second time Lucas were 85 for three at the close of play.

Victory

At Sabina Park: Home team Kingston scored a outright victory, one that was set up by their first day bowling performance when they scuttled out Trelawny for just 77. Trelawny, after seeing Kingston walk away with first innings points following a 326 total on Saturday, made 198 in their second attempt with the bat.

Lorenzo Ingram led the way with an impressive knock of 112. Kerry Scott was the pick of the Kingston bowlers, grabbing six for 40, while Fabian Forbes had three for 65.

The result left Kingston tied in joint-second with St. Elizabeth on 14 points. Trelawny gained a point to move to four.

At Alpart: St. Elizabeth, led by Shawn Findlay with 98, secured first innings honours by making 261 all out, chasing the previous day's total of 172 set by Kensington. Batting again Kensington were all out for 180. Maurice Kepple was the top batsman with 74 runs, while Rashid Outar made 37. Vinord Woolcock had two for 39 for St. Elizabeth, which never batted a second time.

At Chedwin Park: No play was possible between St. Catherine and Westmoreland due to a water-logged field.