By Clifton Ross
STAKES for the defending champions Guyana Jaguars have never been higher as they seek retribution against the Jamaica Scorpions, minus off-spinner Peat Salmon, come tomorrow, when they clash at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, Greenfields, Jamaica.

Salmon, the difference-maker last time the two sides met, bagged 8 wickets in Round 4 to condemn the defending champions to a loss on their home turf at the National Stadium; Providence, in what was a pretty low-scoring match where no team achieved the 200-run mark.

At that time, Guyana were sitting in the number one spot while the Scorpions languished in last place. Following Salmon’s heroics which landed him the MVP award, Jamaica gained some momentum and took it into their match against Leeward Hurricanes whom they whipped by some 5 wickets in the last round.

Fast-forward to Round 6 and Scorpions have clawed their way to the number 3 spot on the points table with 57.4 points while the champs were bumped to second place with 60.8; making this encounter statistically crucial for both teams.

During the break, both teams were hit with blows which in the end will affect Scorpions more than it will Guyana. Jags skipper Leon Johnson and pacer Niall Smith were both fined for showing dissent during Round 5, following being given out by umpires.

However, it’s the Jamaicans who have been dealt a stiffer blow, after the pair of Salmon and part-timer and captain John Campbell were both handed bowling suspensions which immediately prevent both off-spinners from bowling until further notice.

Salmon, the lanky off-spinner who is built like a wiry type fast-bowler, was called by umpires in Guyana for suspect action, which was later confirmed. Campbell, Windies opener and part-time spin option, was reported during Round 1 versus the Trinidad &Tobago Red Force.

Given Salmon’s impact versus Guyana a few matches ago, it will be interesting to see who Scorpions choose as his replacement. If anything, the Jamaicans should be worried about Jaguars batting which is hitting that danger mark which isn’t a good sign for other teams.

Johnson, after a stop-start few rounds, reminded the masses why he was selected for both Tests and One Day Internationals (ODI) for the West Indies a few years ago. The left-hander stroked a majestic, career-best 189 not out to put the frosting on the champs’ batting cake; as he was the only top-order batsman to really fail to play in accordance with his talent and record at this level.

Arguably, the most slept on batsman in the Jags team and possibly the competition is Chris Barnwell. Currently the leading run-getter for Guyana and 4th overall with 372 runs, the veteran all-rounder, who had been looking to make a big score, smashed a belligerent 107 to complement his captain’s return to form.

Out-of-favour Windies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood, middle-order batsman Nkrumah Bonner and skipper Campbell, who will now have more time to focus on his batting; will be the key players to watch out for.

Blackwood and Bonner particularly, have been the backbone of the batting with the other batsmen mostly playing supporting roles so far. Jags and tournament-leading spinner Veerasammy Permaul will be seeking to add more victims to his current tally of 30 while speedster Smith will also be keen on taking his current tally of 19 into the 20s by the end of Round 6.

The Scorpions enter the match with a psychological advantage, having beaten the Guyana Jaguars twice during the last two recent encounters – making this one an all-important bout as both teams looking to secure the number one position, with the season coming to an end shortly.

Action bowls off tomorrow.