Select XI rally from shaky start

Contrasting half-centuries by Alcindo Holder and Hendy Bryan helped the Barbados Select XI to a respectable second innings score, after being pulled around from a shaky start against West Indies "B".

On an intriguing third day at the Windward Cricket Club, Barbados XI were 324 for eight, a lead of 242 going into today's final day. Yesterday, 335 runs were scored and over 900 have been recorded in the match so far.

With the score on 18 for two and Barbados Select XI looking in dire straits, Holder came to the crease and played with some uncertainty, but managed 80, including 13 fours from 100 balls in 136 minutes. He added 60 for the third wicket with Mwanghi Broomes - who had three chances at 20, 21 and 24 - before being smartly stumped by Jamaican Carlton Baugh for 29.

Captain Shawn Graham and Antonio Mayers contributed well with 37 and 38, respectively, but it was Bryan's afternoon. The former West Indies player will resume today on 66, which has so far included eight fours and a monstrous six.

This forthright batting repaired the damage after the Barbadians were in early trouble. Facing a deficit of 82, they tottered at 18 for two when Jason Haynes was leg-before from the very first delivery by the energetic fast bowler Andrew Richardson.

Wayne Blackman was then run out with a direct hit from Rayan Thomas, after a brilliant pick-up and throw from backward square .

Earlier, West Indies "B" resumed at 351 for eight but did not rally too long addingonly 11 more for the two remaining wickets.

Jason Bennett was neatly taken in slips by Holder off fast bowler Callitos Lopez, while the same fielder also snapped up century maker Gregory Mahabir (124) in gully to close the innings at 362.

At the Valley, Angulla:

David Bernard (91) and Keith Hibbert (81) batted brilliantly as Jamaica seized first innings points over the Leeward Islands on Day 3 of their first round Carib Beer Cricket Series match at the Ronald Webster Park, yesterday.

Jamaica were 403 for eight, in reply to 357.

The 21-year-old Bernard, a tall elegant right-hander, achieved his maiden first-class half-century, which included 13 fours and a six, and dominated a 127-run fourth-wicket stand with Robert Samuels (45).

Hibbert's 50 came off 73 balls, but he slowed after and his fighting 81 came off 161 balls with seven boundaries.