Trinidad: Moosai aim for National League lead (25 April 1998)

Saturday, April 25, 1998

Moosai aim for National League lead

By GARTH WATTLEY

AS the main pack remains tightly bunched heading into the homestretch of the fourth round of the Division 1 Carib National Cricket League, some former champions are bidding to hit the front.

Moosai Sports, the 1996 winners, are best poised to snatch an outright victory when the final day of fourth round matches gets under way this afternoon.

Moosai began the round down in sixth spot on 41 points, but they can push that tally to over 70 should they press home their strong advantage against Defence Force at Chaguaramas.

Moosai start the day on 160 for 8 in their second innings, their lead already 294. That may prove more than enough for an Army team that could muster just 95 in their first innings.

Queen's Park, Wanderers and Clarke Road however, will be hoping for rearguard action from the cellar-placed soldiers despite their limited final day prospects.

At Presentation College, the Parkites had played themselves into a handy position against champs Sims Central Sports by stumps on the first day of action, scoring 231 and reducing the home team to 15 for 3. But inexplicably, the entire second day was lost because of a damp area at one end of the pitch. It was precious time and opportunity lost for the Parkites, as well as for the defending champs. And this afternoon, the aim will be a first innings victory and as many bonus points as possible.

Second-placed Clarke Road will have similar objectives at the Brian Lara Recreation Ground in Santa Cruz.

The home team's middle order failed to build on the solid foundation laid by openers Barry Nicholas (101) and Frank Sorzano (78) who put on 178 and Cruz were dismissed for just 251. Clarke Road, on 140 for 4, now have that target in their sights. If Wilfred Debisette can add substantially to his 64 not out, a total of over 300 looks eminently possible.

At Pierre Road, underachieving Alescon Comet also have first innings advantage in their sights.

Having slumped to a surprising defeat against Clarke Road in the previous round after skipper Dinanath Ramnarine's risky second innings declaration, Comet did well to limit Wanderers to 227. The skipper, with 7 for 74 was the key man. But today his national teammate, opener Anil Balliram, unbeaten on 76, could be the man to determine his side's fortunes.

Source :: The Trinidad Express (https://www.trinidad.net/express/)