Pride inch closer to title retention as rain dominates third day

Paul Palmer

Rain in Trinidad and Tobago has virtually moved Barbados Pride within reach of retaining the West Indies Championship on day three.

With little to no play in the three final round matches, it is likely all will end in a draw with the second side batting in their first innings for each contest.

Pride, who are sitting at the top of the table, are 109 for one in reply to Windward Islands Volcanoes’ first innings total of 203 all out.

Guyana Harpy Eagles managed to capture the final wicket of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force as Keemo Paul ended with 6-50 and Red Force were bundled out for 218 in 94.2 overs.

When Guyana batted, only 16 overs were possible, and the former champions reached 30 without loss. Tevin Imlach is unbeaten on 25 from 54 balls after striking five boundaries. The in-form Tagenarine Chanderpaul is at the other end on three not out from 43 balls.

In the final match of the round, Jamaica Scorpions posted 302 all out from 80 overs with Paul Palmer anchoring the innings with his highest first-class score. He managed his fourth ton in the format, 144 not out from 233 balls with his innings featuring 17 fours and three sixes.

Jamie Merchant chipped in with 55 from 60 balls and struck six fours and three sixes. Rahkeem Cornwall, Colin Archibald and Sheeno Berridge picked up two wickets each.

Leewards Islands Hurricanes are four without loss. The final day’s play resumes today at 10.00 hours.

Pride is sitting at the top of the tree with 67 points with Hurricanes in second with 65.4 points. Eagles are on 51.2 points while Red Force (47.2 points), Scorpions (37.6 points), and Volcanoes (21 points), are virtually out of contention.