Anthony Foster, Freelance Reporter

Jermaine Lawson struggled in the first two matches, but returned yesterday with an impressive display in capturing five for 41, to bowl Jamaica into a good position against Guyana in their third-round Carib Beer Series match at Sabina Park.

"I struggled in the first two games but came out today and got five wickets," he said, while hailing his fellow fast bowlers for a job well done in dismissing Guyana for 171.

He said yesterday's performance was a testament of the hard work they had been doing in training.

"The guys came out today and knowing we have not been bowling well, went out there and led from the front, supported by the spinners also," Lawson said.

Captain Tamar Lambert blamed careless shots on the path of his batsmen for not capitalising on Guyana's low total, as Jamaica closed on 56 for three.

"I just think we played some careless shots and got out and it has been going on all season. So, hopefully the three persons (Xavier Marshall and Donovan Pagon zero each and Lambert 9) will redeem themselves."

Still optimistic

He is still optimistic they will get the total. Wavell Hinds is leading the charge on 37 not out, supported by Brendan Nash (4 n.o.).

Guyana's captain Ramnaresh Sarwan said getting early wickets will be key to winning first-innings honours.

"Tomorrow morning the first hour and a half will be very important," said Sarwan. "If we can get two or three wickets, including Wavell Hinds, that would put us in a good position."