Harpy Eagles secure 214-run over Jamaica Scorpions

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

The Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force secured wins against the Jamaica Scorpions and the West Indies Academy, respectively, on the final day of their fourth-round West Indies Championship clash on Saturday.

At Sabina Park in Jamaica, the Harpy Eagles wrapped up a 214-run win against hosts Jamaica, who were dismissed for 274 in their second innings, chasing an improbable 489 runs to win on the final day.

Resuming on 179 for three, still requiring another 310 runs, the Scorpions added 10 runs in the morning session before Javelle Glenn first went, caught off Ronaldo Alimohamed for 14.

Overnight batsman Kirk McKenzie, who was unbeaten on 104, showed some resistance by scoring 147; however, the Scorpions capitulated after lunch, thanks to the 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 overs. 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, steering Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to a commanding 125-run victory over the West Indies Academy.

West Indies Academy, chasing a target of 278, were bowled out for 152, thanks largely to Charles' career-best spell of 6-47. His efforts not only secured the win, but also marked his second-best first-class bowling figures, achieved in just 13.3 overs.

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

The day began with Red Force resuming their second innings at 218-9. They added 23 runs before being bowled out for 241. This set the stage for what appeared to be a challenging chase for the Academy. However, Charles had other plans. From the moment he took the ball, the Academy's hopes began to crumble.

Charles 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.