The seventh round of the West Indies Championship bowled off with compelling action across several venues on Wednesday, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force battled against Guyana Harpy Eagles while 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 the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad, the hosts ended the day at 214-7 against the Guyana Harpy Eagles, thanks to a resilient, unbeaten half-century from Jyd 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 once again 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 runs, but 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, but it took resilience from Khary Pierre, who made 38 and Jyd Goolie, 57 not out, to help the Red Force recover from a shaky start. Goolie’s patient knock so far includes 151 balls with six fours.
Kemo Paul has so far bagged 3-38, supported by Nial Smith, who has 2-39.
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 wicket-keepers Noelle Leo (22) and Kimani Melius (20) offering any sort of resistance.
Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop continued his impressive tournament by 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 capitalized, 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, Combined Campuses and Colleges (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 lineup, 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.
(CMC)
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