UWI run amok

Led by a masterful century from player/coach Floyd Reifer and half-centuries by Nekoli Parris and Chadwick Walton, runaway leaders Sagicor UWI hammered hapless Republic Bank St Catherine yesterday to close on 366 for seven for a massive lead of 227 in reply to the hosts’ 139.
UWI started the day on 49 for one with Kyle Corbin resuming on ten and Rommel Currency yet to open his account.
They took the score to 72 before Corbin edged an outswinger from pacer Ulric Batson to Chad Puckerin at first slip.
Currency and Nekoli Parris added 42 for the third wicket before Currency misread a delivery from left-arm spinner Derick Bishop and was given out leg before.
Parris struck seven fours off 89 balls in attaining the first half century of the innings.
Off-spinner Shamar Cooke was instrumental in breaking the partnership when Parris was caught by wicketkeeper Renaldo Rudder.
Cooke, although a bit expensive on a docile pitch, ended the day after a lengthy spell with two for 88.
Jonathan Carter picked up the momentum and along with Walton carried the score to 185, when Cooke took his second wicket as Carter was stumped by Rudder.
Carter’s contribution was a valuable 40 which took his tally for the season to 533 runs.
Walton and Reifer took their time in compiling runs, but the latter then belted ten fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 112 off 100 balls.
However, he lost Walton for 58 shortly before the close after the two posted 148 for the sixth wicket.
New boy, fast bowler Damian Davis, although only taking a single wicket, bowled impressively in his first match at this level.
Batson took two 65, while the other bowlers lacked penetration.
St Catherine, in a very precarious position and facing an imposing deficit, will have to try to improve on their batting and  occupy the crease for most of the day to avoid defeat.