GUYANA Jaguars manager/assistant coach Rayon Griffith blamed his batsmen for the historic tie in round six of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day encounter against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The title-holders’ batsmen folded at the hands of off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who bowled the visitors to the first tie in 152 years of regional first class cricket.
Beginning the fourth day with 61 runs behind for victory, the hosts failed to step up to the pressure, and were bundled out for 164, with the ex-West Indies spinner snatching his 40th five-wicket haul.
“While the batting let us down, I think it was reckless cricket … we had enough time to win that game, it was a game we should have won,” Griffith, the former Guyana fast bowler noted.

Griffith added, “The application wasn’t there at all, which is something that is very surprising. I think it was nerves … we haven’t held our nerves at all … the crucial point was when Keemo Paul was run-out, I think that was the turning point of the game, but having said that the Volcanoes bowled well, especially Shillingford.”
Despite the shocking result, the Jaguars remained at the top of the table, moving to 97.2 points, having earned 10.8 from the match.
However, Griffith stressed the importance of keeping focus at this crucial stage of the season.

“The next game is definitely important. Our focus is on the next game as we must take maximum points to make sure of maintaining our lead … the Hurricanes (Leeward Islands) will not be easy opponents,” the 38-year-old said.
The Jaguars have been the most dominant team in the history of the PCL, losing three of their 36 games played to date. They lost twice to Leeward Islands Hurricanes and once to the Barbados Pride.

The Jaguars now host the Hurricanes in round seven from Thursday before the tournament breaks for the Christmas season.