Cricket captain Tamar Lambert - file

Captain Tamar Lambert said insufficient runs towards the end of Jamaica's innings was the main reason behind their five-wicket loss to the Windward Islands in the semi-finals of the Regional Super50 last Friday.

Speaking after the team's return yesterday from Barbados where the game was played, Lambert said Jamaica should have posted a total in excess of 260 after being at 173 for two at one stage in the 37th over.

Jamaica eventually made 242 for eight off their allotted 50 overs to which the Windwards responded with 244 for five with an over to spare.

The Windwards also went on to win the tournament after defeating the Combined Campuses and Colleges in the final.

"We did not bat the final 12 to 13 overs of our innings properly and that literally cost us the match," said Lambert, who expressed sadness at relinquishing the crown.

did not push

"The pitch was good to bat on, and as demonstrated by (Brenton) Parchment and (Nkrumah) Bonner, if you put your heads down there were runs to be made.

"But somehow we did not push on and 240-odd runs on that wicket was always going to be close."

Parchment, playing in his first Super50 game of the season, made a top score of 86, while Bonner made 74 to lead Jamaica' batting charge.

They also shared in a 166-run second-wicket stand, which is the tournament's second all-time best.

However, as soon as Bonner fell with the score on flattering 169 after 36.2 overs, and Parchment, with the score on 173 two balls later, things went downhill for Jamaica with David Bernard Jr, 32 not out, being the next best score.

The Windwards, led by the in-form Devon Smith, who made 59, then got off to a flyer, and at one stage were 80 for one after 13 overs, a position which they solidified as the encounter progressed.

"It was just one of those days as throughout the campaign our bowlers have been bowling well and on that night they did not start off well.

"And, with the the sort of form Smith is in he simply cashed in and gave them the start that they wanted, which they eventually built on," opined Lambert.

Jamaica will next turn their attention to their rescheduled group stage four-day match with the Combined Campuses and Colleges, which will be played at Sabina Park beginning on Thursday.