Jamaica, Headley Cup - Delicate balance at Alpart (28 April 1998)

April 28, 1998

Delicate balance at Alpart

Richard Bryan , Freelance Writer

CRICKET: Mandeville - Both the first and final 30 minutes of play in yesterday's first day's play in the Headley Cup final between St. Elizabeth Technical and Holmwood at Alpart, proved crucial in setting up the prospects of an intriguing chase for victory this morning.

Scores: Holmwood 131 all out in 58 overs; STETHS in reply 71 for 6 from 40 overs.

In front of a crammed players' enclosure, fast bowlers Kemal Dennis and Lamion Wright used the early moisture and bounce from the green Alpart top, to have the previously impressive Holmwood top order reeling at 59 for five with top guns Ricardo Powell (8) and Matthew Sinclair (7) failing to reach double figures.

However, opener Dwayne Ewart and Lancelot Warren not only repaired the damage but restored some respectability with a stubborn 55-run sixth wicket partnership compiled in 23 overs. But when Warren pulled Nikita Miller for six over midwicket before being leg before next ball, and Ewart after completing his first half century of the season, went stumped to Branton Parchment for 50, the last four Holmwood wickets produced 27 runs to be all out for 131, their lowest score of the season batting first.

Coach Junior Bennett's tactical move to use captain and wicket keeper Mel Wint to partner the established Parchment at the top, seemed to have worked as they kept the Holmwood pace pair of Sean Spencer and Evon McEnnis at bay, to post 42 before Wint became one of legspinner Kevin Peart's four victims.

Ennis switched ends on his return for a second spell to account for Parchment leg before wicket for 39 after the opener had played the shot of the day - a spanking square cut to the point boundary which had even the Holmwood spectators nodding in approval.

STETHS appeared to be cruising at 69 for three before adopting a totally defensive approach in the last half an hour and they lost three quick wickets as panic set in to remove the advantage they had fought so hard to gain in the first half an hour and to leave Holmwood with a remarkable chance of snatching their fifth Headley Cup title.

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)