Ambris helps lift Windwards to second in WICB four-day tournament

Sunil Ambris gave himself a belated 21st birthday gift, with a patient knock of 81, to be the mainstay of the Windwards’ successful run chase versus host Jamaica at the Sabina Park.{{more}}

The right-handed Ambris, who turned 21 on Sunday, gelled the Windwards’ innings as they went in search of 254 to win.

Ambris, who was into his second first-class match, having made his debut versus Guyana, the previous game scoring a century in his maiden knock, lashed eight fours from 186 balls and was at the crease for over four hours.

Batting at number three, Ambris formed crucial partnerships with Devon Smith, as they both put on 23 runs and with Keddy Lesporis, another 28.

But it was with his Vincentian counterparts that Ambris’ combinations were the most productive.

He and his elder brother Rommel Currency put together 63 for the fourth wicket and with Lindon James scored 28 runs for the fifth wicket.

Ambris and Liam Sebastian added 28 for the sixth wicket before both fell at 223, leaving the Windwards needing 31 with three wickets in hand.

Man of the Match Shane Shillingford, who was making a return to first-class cricket after a suspension for an illegal bowling action, along with Delorn Johnson, saw the Windwards home without further headache.

Bowling for the Jamaicans, Nikita Miller took 3 for 59 and Tamar Lambert, 2 for 37.

Jamaica batted first and scored 194; Carlton Baugh Jr, made 56 not out, Nkrumah Bonner, 28 and Jamie Blackwood, 36.

Shillingford was the linchpin of the Windwards’ bowling, taking 4 for 61; Liam Sebastian had 2 for 23 and Delorn Johnson, 2 for 41.

Led by Rommel Currency’s 76 not out and Tyrone Theophile’s, 73, the Windwards crafted 216 for 9 declared, with Sebastian unable to bat because of an injury.

Miller, B Buchanan and Jamie Merchant took two wickets apiece, bowling for Jamaica.

The host ‘s second innings was dented by Shillingford’s wizardry, as he captured 7 for 116, to finish with match figures of 11 for 177, and Devon Smith chipped in with 2 for 33, as Jamaica fell for 275.

Baugh was again the top scorer with 89 not out and Tamar Lambert hit 61.

Jamaica’s hopes of banking on the usual Windwards second innings collapse, was not to be, as Ambris was the sturdy scaffold.

The win put the Windwards up to 45 points and in second place behind Barbados, who are on 46 points. Both have played four matches, earning two wins, one loss and one drawn match.

The Windwards will be in action this weekend versus the Leewards in Grenada, while Jamaica hosts Barbados, and the Combined Colleges and Campuses are away to Trinidad and Tobago at the Queen’s Park Oval. (RT)