Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Melbourne's captain and Man-of-the-Match, Carlton Baugh, cuts during the final of JCA All-Island limited overs final at Sabina Park yesterday. Melbourne defeated St Catherine by 74 runs to claim a second consecutive hold on the title.- Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

MELBOURNE Cricket Club, led by Man-of-the-Match Carlton Baugh, defeated St Catherine CC by 74 runs in the final of the JCA All-Island Limited Overs cricket competition at Sabina Park yesterday.

The Kangaroos, who claimed their second consecutive hold on the title and third in five years, first posted 245 after they were sent in by the Saints, the national two-day semi-pro champions and, in reply, courtesy of some fine bowling performances, were able to restrict their opponents to 171.

Baugh, who was recently recalled to the West Indies team, struck a breathtaking 54, which included five sixes and two fours and he was well supported by the in-form Damian Henry, 44, Nikita Miller, 34, and Donovan Pagon, 30.

Impressive

Former national captain Tamar Lambert was the pick of the St Catherine bowlers with 3-26, while there were two wickets each for all-rounder Wayne Morgan and pacer Aaron Daley Jr.

When the Saints batted, they were limited in their pursuit by part-time offspinner, Yannick Elliott who, like he did in the semi-pro league, proved to be a handful with 4-12. Impressive pacer, Sheldon 'Goaty' Smith, claimed 2-34, while there was a wicket each for legspinner Damion Jacobs and part-timer Andre McCarthy.

"It was a good match up as I thought both teams gave their all," said Baugh, who is also the captain of his team. "We knew that St. Catherine had a good team and if we did not bring our 'A' game we would be in trouble. But I thought my team batted well and when we were in the field we fielded as a team. I am proud of them," he said.

Keith Hibbert, who led the Saints on the day, said he thought his team could have done better.

"A total of 246 was always gettable, we just did not apply ourselves properly," Hibbert said. "But congrats to Melbourne, they did what they had to do in the field and as such were deserving winners."