Samuels puts STETHS in front

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

National Under-19 fast bowler Omar Samuels yesterday produced a gem of a spell to put St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in pole position against Innswood High, at the end of the first day of their three-day ISSA/Grace Spalding Cup all-island final at Chedwin Park.

The medium-built Samuels, who last year spearheaded the national team at the West Indies Under-19 Championship, claimed impressive figures of five for 21 as Innswood, replying to to STETHS' 127, closed the day on 48 for six, 80 runs in arrears.

two-innings affair

The two-innings affair, which represents the symbol of high school cricket supremacy, is slated to resume at 10 a.m. today.

"It's a long while I have not seen a fast bowler bowling with a lot of life and control as Samuels did today, and credit to him we were able to bounce back," said STETHS' coach, Clive Ledgister.

Innswood won the toss and asked STETHS to take first strike on a good batting surface. The move worked in the home team's favour, as thanks to off-spinner Peat Salmon, five for 37, and Marshell Marsh, three for 18, they were able to prevent STETHS' batmen from forming any useful partnerships and, in the end, they were dismissed shortly after lunch.

Former national Under-19 player Vaneil Bromfield, who was the last man out, top scored for the boys from Santa Cruz with 29, while Kerry Holness 24, and former national Under-19 captain Paul Palmer Jr, 22, gave the best support.

Innswood lost their first wicket - the in-form and influential captain and former national Under-19 opener Oraine Williams - with the score on nought; and their second, their second-leading run-getter Peat Salmon, with the score on four, and never really recovered.

"We were hoping for a better start after our bowlers did an outstanding job. However, our batsmen did not apply themselves and, at the moment, they have the upper hand," said Innswood's coach, Kirk Gordon.