Barbados in strong position

Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

Barbados are in the driver's seat against the Leeward Island ,entering today's second day of their West Indies Cricket Board Regional Four-day Championship first-class cricket match at Kensington Park.

The Barbadians will continue from their overnight position of 74 without loss, after bowling out the Leewards for 236 on yesterday's opening day.

"The Bajans are on top, seeing that they have not lost a wicket chasing 236," admitted Leewards skipper, Steve Liburd.

"The day's play started off rough for us, losing two quick wickets," he said of Kieron Powell (13) and Motcin Hodge (10), both of whom fell with the score on 25.

Tonito Willett was caught behind by Patrick Browne off Hinds for 10; Liburd was bowled by Pedro Collins, also for 10, and when Runako Morton was run out for 30, Leewards slipped to 86 for five.

tight bowling

"They were bowling tight, but at that particular time we just needed to defend our wickets more," continued Liburd.

Liburd's counterpart, Ryan Hinds, agreed thhat his team bowled well.

"I think we bowled well as a team," Hinds said, giving credit to Devon Thomas and Justin Anthanaze, who scored 39 and 31, respectively.

He also praised Gavin Tonge, who scored 32 and added a crucial 55 for the eighth wicket with Anthanaze.

"We are looking to bat once because, based on my experience playing here, on the third and fourth day, the ball keeps lower ... so it's very important we bat and get a very big first innings total," said Hinds, who took 3-64 and got good support from Kevin Stoute, who took 3-21.

Dale Richards, who got a reprieve on 25 when Devon Thomas missed a stumping chance off Anthanaze, will resume on 45, along with Jason Haynes, on 19.