Clarke, Goodridge put Harpy Eagles’ bowlers to the sword

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Captain Rivaldo Clarke and Amari Goodridge both hammered unbeaten centuries as the West Indies Academy took opening day honours against the Guyana Harpy Eagles in their warm-up match at the Antigua Recreation Ground here yesterday.

Clarke scored an unbeaten 165, while all-rounder Goodridge ended the day on 109 not out, as the Academy piled up 423 for six in 91 overs.

It was a surprising end to a day in which the Harpy Eagles were in the ascendancy at one stage.

Despite opener Mbeki Joseph scoring an aggressive 60 off just 53 balls containing seven fours and three sixes, and Mavendra Dindyal hitting 45 off 53 balls, the Academy found themselves 101 for four, with spinners Richie Looknauth and Veerasammy Permaul sharing the wickets.

The Harpy Eagles enforced their dominance by claiming two other wickets to leave the Academy perilously placed at 169 for six and in danger of being bowled out cheaply.

However, Clarke and Goodridge rescued their team in an unbroken 254-run partnership for the seventh wicket, to completely change the complexion of the match.

Clarke reached his maiden first-class century off 120 deliveries by clobbering left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie over midwicket for six.

Goodridge’s first-ever first-class century also came off the bowling of Motie, his sweep shot racing to the fine leg boundary to bring up the milestone.

Clarke has so far faced 213 balls and struck 20 fours and five sixes, while Goodridge has faced 160 balls and hit nine fours and three sixes.

Looknauth (3-86) and Permaul (3-113) have accounted for all six wickets to fall thus far.

Caption for pic: Amari Goodridge (left) congratulates Rivaldo Clarke after he scored his maiden first-class century against the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

Caption: Amari Goodridge (left) congratulates Rivaldo Clarke after he scored his maiden first-class century against the Guyana Harpy Eagles.