Openers give T&T edge against title-holders

FRIENDSHIP, Barbados—Trinidad and Tobago had the better of the exchanges against defending champions Jamaica and were eyeing first innings lead, on the opening day of their first round game in the Regional Under-19 Championship yesterday. Playing at the Yorkshire Sports Club, they dismissed Jamaica for 187 and at the close, were replying strongly on 55 without loss. Jeremy Solozano, unbeaten on 26 and Brian Christmas, not out on 20, seemed untroubled against the varied attack of the Jamaicans as they left their side with 132 runs to get for first innings lead on Sunday’s second day. Both left-handers played solidly with Solozano being the more aggressive of the two, striking four fours while Christmas was more sedate.

 

Earlier, Jamaica, winning the toss and batting in great conditions, were cruising at 100 for two before losing their last eight wickets for 87 runs.This was due largely due to penetrative bowling from left-arm spinner Jovan Ali who took four for 59, and pacer Tevin Robertson (2-20) and off-spinner Anthony Simmons (2-43) who both picked up two wickets apiece. Jamaica were given a solid start by openers Odaine McCatty (25) and captain Oshane Walters (24) who added 41.

 

However, after McCatty was caught and bowled by Ali, Tristan Coleman quickly followed lbw for 16, pushing forward to Ali at 66 for two. A third-wicket partnership of 34 between Walters and eventual top-scorer Brian Gill, repaired the innings and put Jamaica on course for a competitive total. Walters fell to a catch at cover by Solozano off Simmons and Gill who played attractively for 35, quickly followed caught by Al Small at extra cover off Ali looking to go over the top. The right-handed Gill hit three fours and two sixes in 43 minutes at the crease. Struggling at 108 for four at lunch, Jamaica’s slide continued after the interval as T&T bowlers quickly ran through the remaining Jamaican batsmen and it took useful knocks of 31 from Raghni Francis and Christopher Powell with 25, to rally the innings.