Jamaica Scorpions let Hurricanes off the hook

The Jamaica Scorpion bowlers will still be kicking themselves today after squandering a glorious opportunity to seize total control of their West Indies Championship match against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes following day one action in Antigua.

At stumps, the Scorpions were 47 for one, replying to Hurricanes 260 all out, thanks to resolute career-best half-centuries from Alzarri Joseph and Jeremiah Louis.

Joseph's 89 from 94 balls and Louis's 75 from 144 balls rescued the host from 111 for eight and on the brink of a paltry first innings total.

The pair shared in a crucial 103-run ninth-wicket partnership after which Louis and Kian Pemberton added a valuable 46 runs for the final wicket to lift the Hurricanes past the 250 mark.

Joseph's knock was riddled with boundaries with the hometown hero hitting seven fours and six sixes. Louis was not as devastating, however, he was able to conjure up eight fours and two maximums.

Bagged five for 65

Captain Jahmar Hamilton chipped in with a workmanlike 40 from 63 deliveries against a brilliant early fiery spell from Marquino Mindley and Derval Green, who bagged five for 65 and four for 84, respectively.

In reply, the Scorpions began positively with captain John Campbell showing some attacking intent early. The left-hander got to 22 with two fours and a six before he had to retire hurt and was stretchered off the park via an ambulance after twisting his ankle attempting a quick single.

The in-form Jermaine Blackwood joined Alwyn Williams, and they took the score to 40 before Williams edged Louis to Hodge at slip for two.

Blackwood, 17 and Nkrumah Bonner two, saw the Scorpions through to stumps without further loss at 47 for one.