Half centuries from Kevin Sinclair, Leon Johnson and Anthony Bramble propelled Guyana Harpy Eagles to 324 all out in 86.3 overs on the first day of their third-round clash against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force yesterday.
Red Force won the toss in the Cricket West Indies four-day championship at the Brian Lara Cricket Acedemy, Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and inserted the Harpy Eagles.
The Harpy Eagles, who lead the points standings with 28.6 points, gained three batting points although their batting was a bit inconsistent. They lost three early wickets before the middle order batsmen rescued the innings with several healthy partnerships. However, the innings crumbled at the end when they lost four wickets for 17 runs in 44 balls.
The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force bowlers were in the ascendancy early on as they reduced the Harpy Eagles to 33 for three with their top order back in the shed including debutant, Kevlon Anderson (six), Matthew Nandu (10) and Tevin Imlach (four) but a 97-run partnership between Johnson and Kemol Savory shifted the innings back into a comfortable position for the visitors.
Johnson climbed up to his 41st first-class half-century, reaching 62 from 99 balls. The left-hander stroked 11 boundaries before being trapped leg before wicket by leg-spinner, Bryan Charles.
Savory, at the other end, made 44 from 109 balls, his innings featuring four boundaries. After both batsmen were dismissed within 10 runs apart, Sinclair and Bramble teamed up to put on 79 for the sixth wicket.
Sinclair top scored with 69 from 96 balls, hitting seven boundaries while Bramble scored a ball-a-run 56, laced with seven fours and one six before he was given out leg before wicket to Uthman Muhammad. Sinclair was then joined by Keemo Paul and the pair shared in an 88-run stand for the seventh wicket. Paul struck seven boundaries including a six but fell for 46 from 39 balls. Eagles then lost their final four wickets for 17 runs. Imran Khan was the pick of the Red Force bowling attack taking 4-86 with Charles ending with 3-85. Muhammed returned 2-31 while Darren Bravo picked up a consolation wicket that of Anderson leg before wicket.
Red Force were seven without loss from the one over they faced before stumps were drawn with Jeremy Solozano not out on five and fellow left-handed opener Keegan Simmons not yet off the mark. The contest resumes today at 10.00 hours.
