Mario Belcon led the way for Merry Boys yesterday, as the leader ended day one in a commanding position against Clico Preysal in round eight of the Shanghai Construction Group National League at the Inshan Ali Park.Belcon was one of four batsmen getting half-centuries as Merry Boys battet first and posted a massive 353/7 declared.Belcon top scored with 68, while Aneil Kanhai (65), Aaron Alfred (54) and young Amir Jangoo (51) all made valuable contributions to the total. Left-handed Jangoo led the national Under-17 team to the West Indies Cricket Board Tobago House of Assembly U-17 50-over title last year. Guyanese spinner Narsingh Deonarine was the only successful bowler, grabbing 3/71.
In reply, Preysal closed the day on 67/5, still 286 runs behind Merry Boys. Deonarine scored 32, while Videsh Sookhai pitched in with 26. Kashtri Singh (2/2) and Javon Searles (2/11) were the chief destroyers for Merry Boys, as they both bagged two wickets.At the Queen's Park Oval, second placed Queen's Park dominated Alescon Comets to give themselves a great chance of an outright win. Comets were bundled out for a paltry 77 runs, as national left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein took 6/35. Daron Cruickshank bagged 3/17, while Vishal Singh (45) was the only batsman to show resilience. Singh was the lone batsman to get into double figures.
Jeremy Solozano, who represented the West Indies U-19 team earlier this year, ended the day on 123 not out leading the Parkites to 253/2. Solozano's knock came off 216 balls, which included 15 fours and one six. After losing captain Justin Guillen for 23, Solozano and Darren Bravo shared in a 194-run stand before the latter fell for 84 with the score on 234. Bravo struck five fours and five sixes in his knock.Defending champions Powergen are also in a position to grab an outright win. Batting first Powergen posted 206 behind 35 from West Indies wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin. Spin bowler Kavesh Kantasingh then took 3/45, as Bamboo was 138/8 at stumps.All matches continue today at 9.30 am.
SCORES
At Inshan Ali Park: Merry Boys 353/7 dec (Mario Belcon 68, Aneil Kanhai 65, Aaron Alfred 54, Amir Jangoo 51, Narsingh Deonarine 3/71) vs Preysal 67/5 (Deonarine 32, Videsh Sookhai 26, Kashtri Singh 2/2, Javon Searles 2/11)
At Esmeralda: Esmeralda 146 (Ethan Bhal 43, Keon Isaac 39, Daniel St Clair 3/30, Amir Khan 3/49) and 157/3 (Trevon Griffith 69, Anthony D'Andrade 56 no) vs Tableland 121 (Evin Lewis 40, William Perkins 28, Ahkeel Mollon 4/40, Isaac 3/26, Kerwin Sirju 2/27)
At Bamboo: Powergen 206 (Denesh Ramdin 35, Nicholas Sookdeosingh 31, Sherwin Ganga 24, Selvin Jacobs 5/83, Yannic Cariah 2/12) vs Bamboo 138/8 (Nashwan Latchman 33, Krishna Arjune 31, Kavesh Kantasingh 3/45, Ancil Bhagan 2/17)
At Queen's Park Oval: Comets 77 (Vishal Singh 45, Akeal Hosein 6/35, Daron Cruickshank 3/17) vs Queen's Park 253/2 (Jeremy Solozano 123 no, Darren Bravo 84, Singh 1/6, Marlon Barath 1/66)
At Honeymoon Park: Caldrac 199 (Omesh Ramoutar 45, Allen Laurent 40, Franklyn Rouse 31, Vikash Mohan 5/51, Nameer Seepaul 4/51) vs Moosai 108/5 (Adrian Cooper 35 no, Isiah Rajah 27, Laurent 3/7)
At Wilson Road: Clarke Road 328 (Ryan Ramdass 138, Yannick Ottley 30, Adrian Ali 28, Ray Jordan 28, Ranga Lachana 28, Nishal Gayadeen 5/90, Hanuman Moonsammy 2/10) vs Munroe Road 93/6 (Shaquille Allick 36 no, Jordan 2/28, Derone Davis 2/36)