Manchester Lions' leg-spinner Donovan Sinclair (right) celebrating the dismissal of Kingston Tigers' Barbadian batsman, Ashley Nurse, during a JCA Super League clash at Sabina Park during the 2009 season. - File

Manchester Lions claimed their second domestic title in four years after crushing relegated Hanover Dolphins by an innings and 21 runs during last weekend's final round of the two semi-pro Jamaica SuperCricket League.

The Lions, led by left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie, who bagged a season best 10-24, first shot out Hanover for 16 and 32, respectively, in both innings, and in their solitary knock 68 for two declared.

In winning, Manchester collected $1,000,000 for their efforts, after finishing atop the standings with 29 points. Second-place Melbourne Kangaroos, who ended with 27, received $400,000 after chasing the Lions breathlessly, while Kingston Tigers banked $200,000 after finishing higher up in the money, ahead of dethroned champions St Catherine Saints, $100,000.

weekend's final

For the second straight sea-son seventh-place Westmoreland Wizards will try to avoid the drop as they await the runners-up from the second tier Senior Cup, which will either be the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) or St Ann CA who will meet in this weekend's final.

After a bright start, the Trelawny Buccaneers finished in mid-pack, while 2007 champions, St Elizabeth Warriors, stayed away from the play-offs despite losing by nine wickets to Kingston.

The final round was filled with high drama but, in the end, it was the Lions who roared triumphantly.

The Kangaroos, who started the round with 23 points, ensured that Manchester must win outright after their five-wicket victory over St Catherine at Chedwin Park with a day to spare.

Manchester, coached by Barry Barnes, however, were on course to wrapping up the title after dismissing the hosts in 9.4 overs - Santokie bagging 6-9 and pacer Neive McNally, 4-6.

Faced with such a small first- innings target, the visitors quickly erased the deficit and were 68 for two at lunch with Zeniffe Fowler unbeaten on 48. But then the rains came and forced an early abandonment of the day's proceedings.

With the knowledge that Melbourne had already won, new leaders Manchester made a sporting declaration. And half-an-hour into the first session of the second day, the team from Central Jamaica was celebrating victory as Santokie (4-15) and left-arm orthodox spinner David Powell (3-9) did the damage.

St Catherine claimed first innings after posting 151 all out and reducing Melbourne to 146 for nine. Tamar Lambert, Saints captain, top scored with 45 against Denva Passley (4-28) and Tafari Williams, 3-28.

aggressive game

Melbourne opener Damion Henry slammed an aggressive 70 from 46 balls, while wickets fell frequently around him as Damion Bryce captured five for 19.

But the defending champions collapsed at the second time of asking - all out for a disappointing 83. Set 89 to win, the visitors reached their target for the loss of five wickets with skipper Carlton Baugh Jr. (31 not out) top scoring after opener John-Ross Campbell made 26.

Captain Davian Davidson top scored with 41 before claiming six for 28 in leading the Warriors to first-innings honours over Kingston at Sabina Park. St Elizabeth first made 158 with Rawl Lewis (4-52) and Kerry Scott (3-17) chief among the wickets.

But the hosts batted poorly with Duran Whyte (34) offering some resistance against Davidson. At the close of play on day one, the Warriors, batting a second time were 24 for one, but on the resumption on day two, disintegrated to 110 all out with Frederick Hermit (4-21) leading Kingston's charge along side Lewis, who took three for 29.

Set 140 to win, Kingston sailed to 143 for one with Barbadian Ashley Nurse (74 not out) and Chadwick Walton, undefeated on 31, seeing them through.

Rain, at STETHS, prevented play on the final day of the match between the Wizards and the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers were 52 for three at close of play on day one, replying to Westmoreland's 301 all out. Nickoy Samuels missed out on a deserved century with 99, while receiving support from Vinord Woolcock who made 64.

Useful low-order batting from Evon McInnis, 57 against Ryan Hinds' 6-92 ensured Westmoreland achieved their highest team total this season.