Innswood, Norman Manley in tight battle

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Innswood High will today need to bat well if they are to grab first-innings points over Norman Manley High in the final of the three-day urban area ISSA/Grace Shield cricket competition, at Melbourne Oval.

The Old Harbour Road-based Innswood, who last season swept the Shield and Knockout double, lost their top two batsmen to close the day on 51 for two, 90 runs behind Norman Manley's less-than-modest first innings total of 141.

The batsmen dismissed are captain Oraine Williams and Peat Salmon, both of whom are former national Under-19 players.

Salmon, who was the first to go, fell for nought when the score was on six, while Williams was sent packing with the score on 23, much to the delight of Norman Manley's players and their band of supporters.

Dismissed

Both batsmen were dismissed by left-arm spinner Jahmoy Lawrence, who ended with figures of two for 26.

"We would have loved to be in a better position, but we are satisfied with where we are," said Innswood's coach, Kirk Gordon.

"Our bowlers did well to limit them to what is a gettable total and we have lost our two most prolific batsmen ... (but) I believe we still have enough batting firepower to help us get first innings and post a good second-innings lead."

Norman Manley's total, which was interrupted by a three-hour rain delay in the session between lunch and tea, was centred around 50 from the in-form Kerron Edwards, who made a century in the semi-finals.

However, he got little support as Javane Martin and Omar Nathan, who scored 14 apiece, were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.

Leg-spinner Jermaine Bennett, with four for 40, led the way for Innswood, while part-time off-spinner Salmon, three for 37, and Stephan Casey, two for 23, gave best support.

In the meantime, Norman Manley's coach, Karl Stephens, expressed confidence, saying that with Williams and Salmon out of the way, his team plans to fight to the end.

"Out batters did not give us the type of total that we wanted," Stephens admitted. "But having said that, runs on the board is runs on the board, and come tomorrow I am confident that we can bowl them out."

Play resumes today at 10 a.m.