YMPC to protest soggy conditions

Against most expectations, there was play in three Courts/Suzuki Division 1 matches yesterday. It seemed almost likely that wet conditions would have prevented play for the second successive day in the 12th and penultimate series of matches.

But, there was significant amount of action in the matches at Black Rock, Kensington Oval and Bayfield.

YMPC 45-8 dec'd, Carlton 41-2

At black rock: Amidst protests over unsuitable conditions by Caribbean Lumber YMPC, title-chasers United Carlton were on the verge of first innings points.

Under very soggy conditions, YMPC were almost dismissed within 18 overs after play started at 2:50 p.m.

Captain William Lashley said afterwards a protest letter would be submitted to the Barbados Cricket Association.

Carlton left-arm pacer Ryan Clarke sustained his good form with a haul of five wickets for 18 runs.

Carlton lost Dale Richards in the first over of their reply, but captain Shirley Clarke (18 not out) and Callitos Lopez (11 not) hardly had any problems in an unfinished third wicket stand of 27.

St Catherine 138-3 dec'd vs Schools North 23-1

At bayfield: Benefiting from a dramatic improvement in conditions following a washout on Day 1, BNB St Catherine rattled up a respectable score on a soft pitch before declaring at 3:51 p.m.

However after grabbing one wicket, St. Catherine were disappointed as the students were offered light at 4:40 p.m.

Dale Mason (33 not out) and Patrick Browne (40 not out) added an unbroken 82 off 13 overs to push the home team along. Brian Shepherd, in a pinch-hitting role, clouted three sixes in 39 off 32 balls. Antonio Thomas took three for 36 for the students.

Pickwick 63-4 dec'd vs BCL 43-4

At kensington oval: Veteran Gregory Gaskin returned to Division 1 and has put BCL in sight of first innings points.

Gaskin, a former Maple player who was a regular at national trials, has been spending the last few years in the BCL leagues. Yesterday he made a defiant 23 as BCL batted well on a slow, but not devilish pitch.

Earlier Pickwick's hunt for quick runs was electrifying as they scored at better than a run a ball in just 37 minutes at the crease.