Holmwood's No. 3 batsman, Andre Creary, drives during the Grace Shield Under-16 final against Old Harbour, at Chedwin Park, yesterday. Creary scored 170 runs not out. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

NATIONAL UNDER-15 captain Andre Creary was in top form for Holmwood yesterday at Chedwin Park, hitting the heat out of Old Harbour in their Grace Rural Area Under-16 cricket final.

Old Harbour, replying to Holmwood's 383 for four declared, were struggling at 55 for three.

Batting first, Holmwood were in early trouble losing Marlon Pinnock (14) and John Campbell (four) to be 23 for two but recovered strongly thanks to Creary's unbeaten 170.

Creary and Kennar Lewis, who was dropped first ball, took the game away with a third-wicket stand of 110.

After Lewis, who hit six fours, fell for 52 at 133 for three, Old Harbour were in for more painful times.

Jermaine Blackwood joined Creary and, if Old Harbour had suffered with the first century partnership, this pair was more brutal. Blackwood, who hit eight fours and one six in making 89, and Creary, who struck 15 fours and two sixes in his innings, added 197 for the fourth wicket.

Fifth wicket stand

Creary, who faced 243 deliveries, was then joined by Takin Lowe (20 not out) as they featured in an unbroken 53-run fifth wicket stand.

At the close, Old Harbour had lost Khaliah Osbourne, 10, Pete Salmon, 25, and Ravmon Powell, zero.

Oshane Morgan, 12, and Kerwin Bonner, six, will resume for Old Harbour this morning. Despite the big lead, Holmwood's coach, Robert Lewis, said he was still cautious.

"Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty, so it's never over until it's over," said Lewis, who is also the Jamaica Under-15 cricket manager.

Lewis, however, is looking for a first innings victory.

"We are in a comfortable position, so come tomorrow we are trying to get the seven wickets before lunch," he said.

Old Harbour coach Keith Hibbert said it was going to be hard, but remained positive.

"It's not over yet, but it's going to be hard," Hibbert said.

"It's an uphill task, but we have quality players in Oshane Morgan and Kerwin Bonner (at the crease) and Dwayne Bennett to come," said Hibbert, a former Jamaica and West Indies A wicketkeeper.

"We are a strong team and we fight together. So hopefully the boys will go out tomorrow and work hard," he said.