Powell stars with bat

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Former West Indies fast bowler Daren Powell, who recently retired from international cricket, made a shot-filled 65 and claimed two for 15 to give St Elizabeth the upper hand over St Ann in their two-day Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Senior Cup semi-final clash at Alpart Oval, St Elizabeth yesterday.

Powell, who made 57 in St Elizabeth's last outing, and generally, has been having a good season with both bat and ball, hit three fours and six sixes during his knock, as St Elizabeth, choosing to bat first, posted a challenging 281.

All-rounder Cassius Burton 56, and former West Indies Under-19 representative Howard Powell, 48, gave Powell best support. Pacer Clifton Wray, three for 27, took most wickets for the visitors.

St Ann in trouble

St Ann, in their reply, closed the day in a spot of bother at 73 with two of the most recognised batsman, sidelined West Indies opener Xavier Marshall (27) and West Indies Under-19 opener John Campbell (six) back in the pavilion.

"We had a team plan of reaching 300 or more. We, however, lost some early wickets, and, thanks to the middle order and myself, we were able to make a comeback," said Powell, who is also captain of the team.

"The game is at the moment in a balance situation, albeit St Ann are in a spot of bother, but it is for us to come out tomorrow, continue to play well, and get the job done."

Meanwhile, the weekend's other scheduled semi-final encounter between defending champions Manchester and Melbourne at Melbourne Oval was abandoned due an underprepared pitch.

It was reported by the management of Melbourne that due to the recent inclement weather, they had problems preparing the wicket in time.

The JCA is due to get a report from the assigned umpires for the match, after which a decision will be made as to whether or not the match will be rescheduled, or awarded to Manchester.