Enthralling first day in decisive WI Championship games

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

THERE ARE still no answers about who will lift the West Indies Championship trophy after a compelling first day of cricket between the defending champions and leaders Guyana Harpy Eagles and second-placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.

The teams came into the contest with just 6.2 points separating them, the Harpy Eagles sent the Red Force into bat and looked to be getting on top of the hosts until Jyd Goolie’s fightback put the game back in the balance.

In other games, the West Indies Academy seized control against Windward Islands Volcanoes, and Combined Campuses and College (CCC) took a firm grip against the Jamaica Scorpions.

At Queen’s Park, the hosts ended the day on 214-7, thanks to a resilient, unbeaten half-century from Goolie.

Asked to take the first strike, the Red Force harboured thoughts of an improved batting performance from their last outing against Jamaica. However, they soon found themselves in early trouble as Keemo Paul sent back opener Kamil Pooran for just four in the opening over.

Eleven runs later, Test batsman Amir Jangoo became Paul’s second victim when he was caught behind for just five.

The prolific form of Jason Mohammed did not continue as he was only able to score two. After the early wobbles, Cephas Cooper dug in and got himself to 50, but he was sent packing by left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, to leave the Red Force in a spot of bother at 94-4.

Captain Joshua Da Silva made a spirited 25, Khary Pierre’s resillience brought him 38, and Goolie, 57 not out, to help the Red Force recover.

Goolie’s patient knock has come from 151 balls with six fours.

Kemo Paul has, so far, bagged 3-38, supported by Nial Smith, 2-39.

COMMANDING PERFORMANCE

At the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, the West Indies Academy produced a commanding performance, securing a 91-run lead with five wickets in hand after ripping out the Windward Islands Volcanoes for just 106.

The Volcanoes collapsed in just 25 overs, with only wicketkeeper Noelle Leo, 22, and Kimani Melius, 20, offering any sort of resistance.

Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop continued having an impressive tournament, grabbing 3-15. He was ably supported by Nathan Edward, who grabbed 2-15, Kelvin Pitman, 2-22, and McKenny Clarke, 2-34.

In reply, the Academy batsmen capitalised, reaching 197-5 at stumps. Teddy Bishop has so far struck seven fours and a six in his unbeaten 54.

The young Windies side also got valuable contributions from Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, 45, and Justin Jagessar, 42. Kenneth Dember has so far bagged 2-23.

At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in Trinidad, CCC took a 41-run lead with six wickets in hand after bundling out the Jamaica Scorpions for 133.

It was an uncharacteristic batting display from the Scorpions, who found the going tough against the CCC seamers, in particular Jaden Edmund.

Edmund ripped through the heart of the Scorpions’ batting line-up, snaring the first five wickets, including the innings top scorer Kirk McKenzie, who made 31.

Brad Barnes chipped in with 23; however, Edmund was in devastating form and finished with 5-59, while Larry Edward bagged 3-6 in another devastating spell.

In response, CCC reached 174-4 at stumps, with Shaqkere Parris leading the charge with 70 not out, while captain Johann Jeremiah weighed in with 69. Barnes has so far taken 2-38.