Empire squeeze LIME

LED BY A fluent century from Jamal Smith, ICBL Empire took advantage of good conditions after being invited to bat by LIME on the opening day of their tenth series LIME Division One cricket match yesterday.
Empire batted all day to reach 258 for eight in 70 overs.
Smith celebrated his 26th birthday in style by stroking an attractive 109 off 157 balls, an innings that included two fours and 18 threes – boundaries are threes and fours.
The tall Empire captain batted for 232 minutes during which time he was involved in two half-century stands.
Smith and Jason Parris put on 62 for the first wicket and then Smith partnered Alcindo Holder in a stand of 61 for the fourth wicket.
Parris, whose participation this season has been limited due to studies at Erdiston College, made a breezy 33 off just 40 balls.
Only Holder of the remaining batsmen made any meaningful contribution, hitting seven threes in a disciplined knock of 52.
Smith’s century, his second at the Division One level, has lifted his aggregate to 391 runs for the season at an average of 32.
Leg-spinner Nikolai Charles took three for 63 to take his tally for the season to 42 wickets. Off-spinner Ashley Nurse took three for 52.