An unfinished 174-run partnership between Quinten Sampson and Kevlon Anderson gave hosts, Police Sports Club, a 132-run lead over Guyana National Industrial Cooperation (GNIC) at the end of the first day of the Georgetown Cricket Association/GISE/Star Party Rental/Trophy Stall first-division two-day tournament yesterday.
Police won the toss and inserted GNIC who were restricted to 110 all out in 40 overs before closing on 242 for six after 46 overs.
Sampson came in with Police in an uncomfortable position at 68 for six and within 61 minutes was lifting his bat in acknowledgment of his teammates who applauded him on his century. The 21-year-old right hander lived dangerously, having been dropped on six occasions, four of which were on the boundary and made GNIC pay for those missed chances.
Sampson smashed nine sixes and five fours on his way to 106 not out from just 55 balls and took a liking to the off-spinners, particularly Dwain Dick who was belted for four sixes before being taken off the bowling.
Dick had success early on, rocking the top order to end with 4-71 but could not break the defense of Anderson who anchored the innings with 93 not out.
The former West Indies Under-19 batsman frustrated GNIC’s bowlers as he entertained the players present with classical and conventional on-ground shots. Anderson, who was dropped once stroked one six and four fours as he toiled to see Police going into tea at 38 for four. Only Kevon Boodie (15) and Antony Adams (14) managed double figures.
Earlier, out-of-favour West Indies pacer, Ronsford Beaton rocked the GNIC batting order to return 4-31 in nine overs of sheer pace. He was complemented by Kelvin Leitch and Adams with two wickets each.
Jermaine Benjamin resisted with 33, laced with three fours and one six before being trapped leg before wicket to Adams. The contest resumes today at 09.30 hours.
