The nation's premier cricket competition, the two-day Jamaica Super League, is today in disarray after yesterday's first day of the final set of title-deciding matches.

The league, which has been making the headlines for the last week after the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) ruled that title favourites Manchester Lions be fined rather than have points deducted for the use of an ineligible player, Maurice Kepple, saw title contenders Melbourne Kangaroos registering a come-from-behind five-run outright win over defending champions St Catherine Saints at Chedwin Park in half a day. At Jarrett Park, where the Lions and last-placed Hanover Dolphins are doing battle, the latter were dismissed for a record low 16 runs in their rain-affected game.

The developments mean that Melbourne, who entered the round on 21 points, two behind Manchester, are now on 27 points, one more than the Lions, who in scoring 68-1 have so far secured first innings, and should the rains clear, will have to beat Hanover outright if they are to cop the title.

"It has left a bad taste," said JCA acting operations officer Courtney Francis after hearing of the developments. "I have been hearing a lot of 'hear says' but can't do anything definite as we have not received anything in writing as yet.

expect full reports

"We expect to get full reports from all concerned parties shortly, and when we get these reports, we will then make a decision," he added.

The Melbourne/St Catherine game ended shortly before 3 p.m. with the Kangaroos making 89-5 in chase of an 89-run victory target. St Catherine first batted and made 151 with Tamar Lambert getting 45 and opener Damion Bryce 35 against pacer Denver Passley 4-26 and spinner Tarique Williams 3-24.

Melbourne, in reply, made 146-9 declared with opener Damian Henry scoring 70 against Bryce 5-19. With a five-run first innings lead, St Catherine, batting a second time, were then bowled out for 84 with pacer Jermaine Lawson getting 26 against Williams 6-26.