Jamaica do the double

After winning the final of the Red Stripe Bowl this past November against the Leeward Islands in Jamaica, the Jamaican cricket team capped a brilliant Busta Cup tournament by lifting the 2000 Busta Cup. The match was totally dominated by Jamaica as they proved that their county system is doing wonders for their cricket.

Upon winning the toss, Leeward Islands captain, Stuart Williams, made a poor decision to field first on a Sabina pitch that would only get worse as play went on. It was evident that the Leewards were going to struggle as Wavell Hinds (127) and captain Jimmy Adams (32) put together a 101 run partnership for the second wicket. Hinds played some magnificent strokes as he patiently put together an innings of worth. Adams, on the other hand, struggled but stuck around to give much needed support. The fall of Adams brought together Hinds and Tony Powell (54). This partnership yielded even more than the previous one as they put together 126 solid runs. Powell played well as he 'dug in deep' and supported the aggressor in Hinds as Jamaica posted 333 all out.

The Leeward's first innings started badly as Stuart Williams was the first to go for just 8. Disaster followed, as the Leewards were never able to produce a partnership of substance. The Leewards were all out for a paltry 146 as Cornwall (29) and Phillip (24) top scored. Laurie Williams (3 for 21) and Walsh (3 for 37) were the pick of the Jamaican bowlers.

Opting not to force the follow-on, Jamaican captain, Jimmy Adams chose to grind the Leewards into the turf and bat again. Christopher Gayle (31) played some stylish strokes as well as captain Adams (51) who managed to salvage some personal pride with his highest score of the tournament. Young Ricardo Powell also played some delightful strokes in his 38 as he helped the home side to 161 for 9 declared. Ambrose was again the pick of the bowlers with magnificent figures of 4 for 18 from a meagre 16 overs. Kerry Jeremy also claimed 3 scalps.

This set the Leewards with an impossible task of scoring 353 runs from just 47 overs on the fourth and final day for victory. At the close the Leewards were 114 for two with Wilden Cornwall smashing a quickfire 43 and Sylvester Joseph on 36 not out. It was a sombre end to a mixed season of brilliance and lacklustre for the Leewards and for Jamaica, it signaled their return to regional supremacy.