A fiery spell from Nial Smith to follow up a half century from Christopher Barnwell extended Guyana Jaguars’ dominance over Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the second day of the Professional Cricket League first round yesterday.
Playing at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in the four-day championships, the five-time defending champions posted 388 all out from 132.1 overs in their first innings.
They then left the Hurricanes reeling at 125 for 5 when a slight drizzle came and the Hurricanes batsmen rushed off the field to the astonishment of the Jaguars players and the umpires. Hurricanes are still trailing by 263 runs.
Smith, 24, in his debut match, made the breakthrough for the Jaguars when he trapped Montcin Hodge (13) leg before wicket (lbw) for his maiden First-Class wicket. The fiery fast bowler from Berbice continued to trouble the Hurricanes’ batsmen and eventually induced a faint edge from Devon Thomas (13) to wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble.
Smith later exhibited, with his celebration, the importance of removing Keiran Powell who was trapped lbw for a five-boundary 34 from 81 balls. He finished with figures of 3 for 29.
Earlier, the Jaguars resumed on 210 for four and the first session of day two belonged to Barnwell after Tagenarine Chanderpaul (60), Leon Johnson (59) and Chandrapaul Hemraj (52) dominated the first day.
The 33-year-old right hander resumed with 23 runs to his name and carried on to make 82. Barnwell stroked nine fours and one six during his 106-ball innings. He forged a 111-run, fifth-wicket partnership with Raymon Reifer who made 47 from 71 balls before falling shortly before lunch.
Barnwell fell in the second over after lunch after adding just two runs to his total. His wicket signaled a lower order collapse as the Jaguars slipped from 321 for 5 to 350 for 9.
Devendra Bishoo was the only batsman to resist with a 34-ball 40 which was highlighted by three fours and three sixes and helped fashion a 38-run partnership for the final wicket with Smith (04).
Jamaica-born leg-spinner, Damion Jacobs ended with 4 for 89 while Kezron Archibald (2-72) and Quinton Boatswain (2-73) supported. Day three begins at 14.00 hours today with Jahmar Hamilton and Jacques Taylor at the crease on 23 and 11 respectively.
