BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Right-handed batsman Ewart Nicholson stroked a masterful, maiden hundred as Trinidad & Tobago occupied the crease for the entire first day against hosts Barbados here yesterday.
Sent in at the historic Kensington Oval, T&T finished on 273 for five with Nicholson unbeaten on 104, in their three-day Regional Under-19 contest.
A resident of Curepe who represents W Connection Wanderers of Central Trinidad, dominated an unbroken partnership with all-rounder Anthony Simmons (22 not out) that has so far added 115 for the sixth wicket.
After arriving at the crease early in the post-lunch session, Nicholson, in his final year at the youth level, played cautiously as the Barbadian bowlers prised out four Trinidad & Tobago batsmen.
He had reached 20 in a tea time total of 158 for five but his innings really flourished after the break as he, in partnership with Simmons, took the game away from the flagging Barbadians bowlers.
His first 50 came off 107 balls in 142 minutes with seven boundaries and Simmons who contributed a mere seven runs to the 50 partnership was rendered a virtual spectator.
It took just a further 76 minutes and 60 balls to reach three figures scorching the illustrious Kensington Oval outfield with seven more fours.
The hosts won the toss and invited the visitors to take first knock hoping to exploit expected first day moisture that would assist their four prong seam attack.
However, in-form opener Jeremy Solozano’s wicket was the only success for the Barbadians in the morning session as the left-hander fell for nine.
Solozano’s opening partner Stephon Wharwood held the innings together while sharing in a 98-run stand with the resolute Andy Gobin (31) on either side of lunch.
Wharwood was the second batsman to fall for 61, one of two wickets for fast bowler Darnell Greenidge (2-38) in a second spell.
He stroked seven fours and a six in a 162 minute stay at the crease while facing 133 balls.
Gobin’s 201 minute vigil spanned 133 balls and contained four fours.