ESPNcricinfo staff

Jamaica lifted the Headley-Weekes Trophy after accumulating more points than Windward Islands in the final of the Regional Four Day Competition, after the game between the two in St Lucia ended in a draw. Jamaica claimed eight points (two batting points, three bowling points and three points for the draw) while Windwards got five points (one bowling point, one batting point and three points for the draw). It was Jamaica’s sixth first-class title win in seven years.

If Windwards haboured slim hopes of wrapping up Jamaica (who were 147 for 7 overnight) quickly on the fourth morning and launching a brisk chase of around 300, it was stamped out by the innings’ top-scorer Jermaine Blackwood, who went on to score a century and string together two partnerships of 30-odd with the tail. Chasing 376, there were a few wobbles for Windwards, as they lost wickets regularly at one end. However, Sunil Ambris held up the other on his way to a hundred to ensure Jamaica could not win outright.

Jamaica captain Tamar Lambert said it was a relief to have the batting come good in this game. “We have a young squad and I believe we can get better from here. Our batting was letting us down a bit this season so it was really pleasing to come here in the final and post 392 batting first,” he said. “When we got such a good total, we knew we had a good chance as we know our strength is in our bowling.

“Everyone should feel proud. We had our challenges but we stuck to it and played together as a team. I must also say congrats to our coach Junior Bennett who continues to do a very good job for Jamaica cricket. We came here on a mission and we are really pleased that after a few weeks on the road we will be going home with the trophy.”