Ireland’s cricketers were put to the sword – rather the bat – by their Jamaican hosts yesterday, as the locals registered a comfortable six wicket win in their Digicel-sponsored Jamaica Cricket Festival clash at the Port Rhodes Sports Club in the North Coast community of Discovery Bay, St Ann.

Batting first, after being sent in by Jamaican Captain, Tamar Lambert, the Irish could only manage 227 all out in 49.3 overs on what appeared to be a troublesome pitch, as pacer Andre Russell continued his fine form, tormenting the opposition with 5 for 40 off 9.3 overs.

In reply, opener Danza Hyatt scored 102 runs off 106 balls with David Bernard Jr providing support with an unbeaten 52 off as many balls to lead the Jamaicans to victory in the 48th over.

Hyatt’s knock consisted of 13 ferocious fours and a six, as he took the Irish bowlers to task throughout his aggressive innings.

Carlton Baugh, who contributed a swift 24 off 20 balls, was also in good form towards the end as the Jamaicans continued their success in front of an appreciative crowd.

Irish wicketkeeper, Gary Wilson – who was one of Russell’s victims – played his way to 56 runs before he was caught in the deep by Odean Brown during Russell’s second spell, which saw him switching his approach from the northern to the southern end.

Wilson got support from his skipper, William Porterfield (43), with whom he shared a 71-run partnership for the third wicket.

Ireland were, however, never in control of the match and failed to really recover from their poor start after sitting uncomfortably on 2-29 at one point, before losing their last six wickets for a mere 59
runs.

Lambert was also in fine bowling form, claiming two wickets of his own towards the end at a cost of 10 runs in his three overs, while Krishmar Santokie helped himself to 2 for36 off his 10 overs.

The captain was pleased with the victory and is hoping that it will help his team to curb their poor one-day form.

“We are happy with the win. I think it was a good victory for us. We haven’t been playing good one day cricket over the years so we are working on it from now, especially where chasing is concerned,” said Lambert. “It was a great team effort, everyone chipped in but Andre Russell bowled really well in their innings and the partnership between Danza (Hyatt) and David Bernard really set us up well.”

Porterfield was disappointed with his team’s batting display, but took heart from their efforts in the field and remained positive in light that it was their second match in two months.

“Everything started well, I think, and we were hoping to get 270 runs but it all went wrong from the 30th over,” said Porterfield. “No one likes to lose but we are not overly disappointed. We have to look at the bigger picture because we bowled really well but we now have to pick things up.”