Pestano (4-50) Shepherd 3-29 help Jaguars eke out 21-run lead

Romario Shepherd finished with 3-29.
Romario Shepherd finished with 3-29.

Guyana Jaguars dismissed the Leeward Islands Hurricanes for 175 in their first innings and, at close of play had established a 97-run lead in their cricket West Indies fifth-round encounter at the Providence National Stadium here yesterday.

After wrapping up the Leeward Islands Hurricanes first innings for a 21-run lead in overcast conditions, an hour into the second session, the defending champs, batting a second time, were 75-2 when rain ended the day prematurely.

Hurricanes, resuming on their overnight score of 57-3, following a rain interruption, were indebted to Akeem Saunders and Terrence Warde who posted 57 runs for the fourth wicket.

Saunders added 13 to his overnight score but 15 minutes after the match resumed, Romario Shepherd had him edging a delivery to Anthony Bramble behind the stumps.

His 88-ball 23, effectively signalled the collapse as the Berbice seam duo of Shepherd and Clinton Pestano hurried through the lower order.

Damion Jacobs, coming in at 10 remained unbeaten on a top score of 34 with six boundaries.

Pestano struck twice with the wickets of Warde and Jason Peters in successive deliveries and he also grabbed the prized wicket of all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall, 10 minutes after lunch.

Cornwall was bowled for 29 as Pestano finished with 4-50.

Shepherd then ran through Orlando Peters and Jeremiah Louis who were both trapped leg before wicket to hand him figures of 3-29 as  the Hurricanes limped to lunch on 116-8.

Devendra Bishoo removed Sheno Berridge with the first delivery of the 59th over.

Berridge’s vigilant stay at the crease was not productive as he only scored two runs from 35 balls. He shared in a last-wicket partnership of 37 with Jacobs.

In their second innings, the Jaguars opening pair of Trevon Griffith and Tagenarine Chanderpaul looked steady and duly saw their side to 44 without loss at tea.

However, 10 minutes after the resumption Griffith was given out leg before wicket to Cornwall for a 64-ball 37. Griffith’s highest score of the season saw him stroking six boundaries, half of which was scored through the covers.

Cornwall struck once again, this time bagging the wicket of Leon Johnson who was caught defending on the back foot and was bowled for 15. His innings included two fours and a six off of Cornwall that went over his head and into the Players’ Pavilion end.

Chanderpaul remained watchful, soaking up 104 balls for his unbeaten 15 that featured a single boundary that was edged through second slip and gully. He is currently at the crease with Christopher Barnwell who is yet to score.