Bridgeport secure hat-trick of JEP cricket titles

Bridgeport have crowned themselves the pride and joy of the Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) St Catherine 40-over cricket competition after securing their third consecutive title following a 72-run win over Old Harbour in the final played at Port Esquivel recently.

After winning the toss and deciding to take the first strike, Bridgeport put up 207 in 36.4 overs, with Oshane Baugh leading the way with 56 runs, while Rushane Gordon and national batsman Justin Beckford contributed 35 each.

National player Peat Salmon snared six wickets with his off-breaks, which went for 80 runs, while Rohan Francis assisted with two wickets.

The score of over 200 was always going to be tricky against a formidable Bridgeport bowling attack, and, in the end, the target proved too much as Kern Duckett put in a scintillating performance with the ball to bag seven wickets for 64 runs in restricting Old Harbour to 135 off 31.4 overs.

Roy Williams supported him with two wickets, despite a fighting 46 from Ramone Francis and 44 from Damion Wolliston.

Duckett's seven wickets ensured he finished with the most scalps in the tournament at 24, while his teammate Gordon scored the most runs of 415.

There were 18 five-wicket hauls taken in the competition against five centuries scored. There were also two hat-tricks throughout the season.