KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Captain Tamar Lambert has described Jamaica’s fifth straight Regional first class title as a massive achievement, especially coming in the same year as the country’s 50th anniversary of its independence. On Monday, Jamaica crushed Barbados by 139 runs on the last day of the Regional Four-Day final, to complete a dramatic come-from-behind victory and lift the trophy again.
“It is a great feeling. This is a truly remarkable achievement. To win here and create history is something to be proud of and as captain I am extremely happy. We have now made it five straight and it feels great,” said Lambert.
“This is the 50th year of Independence for the nation of Jamaica, so that makes it an extra-special achievement as well. Before a ball was bowled this year, we said we wanted to win every match and we did just that.
“We went out and did what was required and here we stand as champions!”
Jamaica seemed to have lost their grip on the game on Sunday when they surrendered first innings points to Barbados.
Despite trailing by 18 runs, Jamaica batted purposefully to reach 133 for two at the close before accelerating their scoring in the first session on Monday, to declare at 247 for five and set Barbados 230 to win.
Just needing to bat out the day to clinch the title on first innings points, Barbados could not withstand the assault from Jamaica and crumbled for 90 all out an hour after lunch.
“I want to say ‘well done’ to everyone involved. In the first innings (Brenton) Parchment and (Donovan) Pagon played really well to set-up the game for us,” Lambert pointed out.
“Barbados took first innings lead from us, but we were never out of the match. We won the third day by restricting their lead then the bowlers came back to win the match for us on the last day. It was a true test of champions and we performed like champions.”
“I would like to thank everyone involved for an amazing five good years. We played some good cricket. Everyone deserves credit for whatever part they played and whatever contribution they made.”