Barbados got off to a promising start as they replied to Trinidad and Tobago’s formidable first innings total of 337 for eight declared on the rain-shortened second day of the WICB Regional Under-19 Tournament match yesterday.
Opening batman Shayne Moseley broke free of a run of lean scores in the competition so far to anchor the home team to 110 for one as three lengthy interruptions for rain knocked 20 overs off the allotted 90 for the day.
Moseley, who prior to yesterday had mustered 43 runs from five innings, was within one run of a half-century as he featured in partnerships of 67 with Craig St Hill and 43 unbroken with Shai Hope, for the first and second wickets respectively.
Trinidad and Tobago, who resumed on 273 for five, added 49 runs for the loss of the wickets of overnight not out pair Ewart Nicholson and Anthony Simmons in the first session, cut short by one hour after light rain delayed the start.
Both overnight batsmen fell to pacer Akeem Jordan who once again put in a wholehearted effort in the six overs he sent down from the southern end.
Nicholson was the lanky right-armer’s first victim, lbw playing forward after adding six to his overnight 104 not out while Simmons fell to a catch by Hope for 40.
From a position of 322 for seven at lunch, the Trinidadians carried on for another five overs before the declaration and St Hill got the Barbados response going with flair, elegantly stroking the first delivery of the innings from left-arm pacer Tevin Robertson to the deep cover boundary.
The second stoppage came at 2:33 p.m., forcing the tea interval to be taken early and when the match eventually resumed some 13 overs had been lost.
Moseley (132 balls, 172 minutes, four fours) had a close shave at 26 when he was put down off spinner Addrien Daniel but St Hill, after striking seven boundaries in making 39, was not as fortunate the very next delivery, which he spooned tamely back to the bowler.