Scorpions coach vows return to ‘drawing board’ after failed campaign

ROBERT Haynes, Jamaica Scorpions head coach, says there is plenty of room for improvement after the team failed to advance to the final stages of the West Indies Championship first class cricket season.

The Scorpions sprung a surprise when they came from behind to defeat Barbados Pride by seven wickets at Chedwin Park in the thrilling opening contest of their three-match bilateral series last month.

But in the two subsequent matches at Sabina Park they surrendered first-innings honours to the Pride in a rain-affected drawn clash and then were brushed aside by an innings and 11 runs inside three days in the decisive third encounter.

Critics of the Jamaica teams selected over the three matches noted a lack of front line batsmen. Instead there were a string of all-rounders — split by wicketkeeper Romaine Morris who had a torrid campaign with the bat — between batting positions five and nine.

Among them, only fast bowler Odean Smith contributed significantly with the bat, and none of the all-rounders was consistently penetrative with the ball.

Haynes did not speak specifically to the team structure but noted that a rethink is necessary.

“At the end of the day we have to get back to the drawing board and make sure that we get things right,” the Scorpions coach told the Jamaica Observer. “There’s a lot more cricket to play; this is still a pretty young squad — the average age is about 26.”

It was clear to all that the batting unit ultimately let down the Scorpions, especially in the third match when they could only muster totals of 142 and 286 in reply to the Pride’s 439.

However, Haynes noted the grit they showed to chase down over 300 runs to win the first match, and their resolve to force a draw despite being largely dominated in the second encounter.

“I think the guys have to get some credit — they have been working hard and we’re seeing some better cricket. We still have things to work on because the mental part of it in terms of reading the game and taking charge [at the right time] was lacking,” he said.

Captain John Campbell led the Scorpions’ batting with 334 runs, including a hundred, in six innings. His fellow left-hander and opening partner Kirk McKenzie notched two centuries in his tally of 323.

No other Jamaica batsman managed a century in the series. The big-hitting Smith was the next-best run scorer, standing out with 189 runs in five innings.

Pacer Marquino Mindley was by far the team’s best bowler in a series highlighted by flat batting surfaces, taking 11 wickets at an average of 20. All-rounder Peat Salmon toiled for 10 wickets at 39.2 with his off spin.

Barbados finished the series with 42.2 points to clinch one of two play-off spots. Jamaica, who have not won the four-day title since 2011-12 and were fifth last season, tallied 34 points to fall out of contention.

Title-holders Guyana Harpy Eagles, with 63.8 points, secured direct entry to the final after dominating Windward Islands Volcanoes (13.2) in all three matches in Antigua.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (53.6 points) were almost as dominant in their series versus Leeward Islands Hurricanes (18.4), also in Antigua, to set up the play-off clash against Barbados Pride from May 10-13.

The Harpy Eagles are to face the winner of the play-off match for championship honours from May 17-20. But before then they will target match readiness in a first class contest against West Indies Academy.

Jamaica Scorpions spinner Brad Barnes (centre) and teammate Brandon King celebrate the dismissal of Barbados Pride batsman Kevin Wickham during the West Indies Championship first class cricket match at Sabina Park on April 26, 2026. Also pictured are Scorpions players (from left) Kirk McKenzie, John Campbell and wicketkeeper Romaine Morris. Photo: Naphtali Junior