TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC – First innings century-maker Montcin Hodge fashioned an unbeaten half-century to follow up off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall’s four-wicket haul, as Leeward Islands Hurricanes left Trinidad and Tobago Red Force with a tall order on today’s final day, to win their third round fixture in the Regional Four-Day Championship.
Set 342 for victory at the Brian Lara Stadium, Red Force finished yesterday’s penultimate day on 26 without loss, still requiring a further 316 runs.
They had earlier conceded a first innings lead of 173 after folding for 252 in their first innings. Resuming on 146 for four, they lost opener Jeremy Solozano in the morning’s seventh over, caught at the wicket off Cornwall, after adding just two to his overnight 78.
Two balls later, Cornwall trapped Yannic Cariah lbw without scoring to put Hurricanes firmly in charge at 154 for six.
Cornwall continued to impress with the England series approaching, claiming four for 73 while West Indies speedster Alzarri Joseph also pressed his claim with three for three for 80.
Three small partnerships then helped push Red Force past the 250 mark. First, Joshua Da Silva (19) and nightwatchman Daniel St Clair (9) put on 29 for the seventh wicket and when Joseph removed both in successive deliveries, Bryan Charles (39) added 30 for the ninth wicket with Imran Khan (12) and a further 39 for the last wicket with Shannon Gabriel (11).
Armed with a healthy lead, Hurricanes put Red Force under even more pressure in their second turn at the crease, courtesy of Hodge who stroked an unbeaten 77.
He struck 10 fours off 131 balls in nearly 3-¼ hours, putting on 43 for the third wicket with Devon Thomas (19) and 39 for the sixth wicket with Cornwall who made 22.
