Kensington Dragons, G.C. Foster College Crocodiles, St Catherine Crusaders and Lucas Eagles recorded exciting victories in the opening round of the inaugural Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Red Stripe Twenty20 Knockout Championships yesterday.

In a double-header at Up Park Camp, the Dragons, led by a superb 81 from Horace Miller, defeated St Thomas Prodigals by five wickets.

The Prodigals first made 173-3 from their allotted 20 overs. Kashane Roberts (64), Jamie Trenchfield (59) were the leading scorers.

In reply, the Dragons reached 176-5, gaining victory in the final over.

second game

Miller, a former national youth player, struck 10 fours and one six from 51 balls. He also shared in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 107 with Maurice Kepple, who made 57 off 44 balls, this after the Dragons were reeling at 15-2 at one stage.

In the second game, the Eagles defeated Portland Alligators by three wickets. The Alligators first made 124 all out with Herman Henry scoring 53 against Ransford Merchant 3-15. In reply, the Eagles made 125 in 19.2 overs. Wayne Gayle 45 and Gary Hervine 31 not out scored most runs for the winners.

In a double-header at St Ann Bauxite Sports Club, the Crocodiles beat Westmoreland Wizard 3-2 in a bowl-off after both teams had made 150 from their allotted 20 overs.

dismissed

In the second match, the Crusaders defeated Clarendon Bears by 55 runs. The Crusaders made 151-8 from their 20 overs with Erron Downer 64 and Peter Pottinger 41 scoring most runs for the winners against Sherwayne Dixon, 4-21. In reply, the Bears were dismissed for 97 as Carl Thompson 4-19 and Brenton Beckford 2-27, ripped through the Bears' batting line-up. Marcel Parchment made 15 for the losers.

The competition continues today with two double-headers. Police vs Kingston and St Andrew and Jamaica Defence Force vs Boys' Town at Up Park Camp. At St Ann Bauxite, it's Hanover vs St James and St Mary vs St Ann.