Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Melbourne's Carlton Baugh Jr. salutes the crowd after reaching his century, while teammate Damion Henry looks on during yesterday's limited overs final against Police at Sabina Park. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
CAPTAIN CARLTON Baugh Jr. scored a match-winning century to steer Melbourne to an easy 118-run win over Police in yesterday's final of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) limited-overs competition at Sabina Park.
Sent in to bat, Melbourne made 276 off 49.3 overs and then dismissed Police for 158 in 43.2 overs.
Dwayne Thompson, 15, and Damion Henry, 69, got things going for Melbourne, who slipped to 84 for three through the dismissals of the former, Donovan Pagon, 13, and Yanick Elliott, zero.
However, then came Baugh and, along with Henry, he guided Melbourne to 191 before further inroads were made.
Impressive 110
Despite losing his partner, Baugh was not willing to give up the fight as he drove, pulled and cut his way to a impressive 110 which came off only 97 deliveries.
In his knock, Baugh hit nine fours and four sixes.
Melbourne's coach and president, Courtney Walsh, said: "I think it was a well-deserved victory. The guys showed professionalism, they played extremely well.
"They did everything we asked of them and the captain really led from the front. I think his innings was the match winner for us ... and also the way he handled the troops out there on the field," Walsh, a former West Indies captain, said.
Ralston Nelson (3-35), Sheldon Cottrell (2-26) and Demetrious Francis (2-39) were the top wicket-takers for Police.
Umpiring issues
In reply, Police were less than impressed by the umpiring as a few ordinary decisions went against them - including one when Ordane Hutchinson was adjudged leg before when it appeared he hit the ball. He made 13.
Apart from that, Police also lost Marvin James by the rare time-out route. He took almost five minutes to get to the crease while, under ICC rules, a batsman should be ready to face within three minutes.
Francis, who made 74, was the only bright spark for Police.
Spinners Elliott, who bowled 10 overs taking 3-10, and Damion Jacobs, 3-38, did the damage in the middle overs.
Though Nikita Miller did not pick up a wicket, he bowled seven overs for 12 runs.
Renford Pinnock, Police's captain, said: "Our batting was marred by a few bad decisions and it really cost us. "Based on some of the decisions, we weren't allowed to bat well," he said.
Overall, Walsh believed it was still a good game.
"I think it was a well-fought game," he said.
"The way Francis batted was extremely good. I think the left-arm pacer (Cottrell) showed some pace and aggression which I haven't seen for a while, so I was impressed to see that."
