Lords, led by an unbeaten half-century from left-arm spinner Kemar Stanford, took firm control of the Barbados Cricket Association’s 2017 Intermediate final against Alexandra at St Catherine’s Club, Bayfield, St Philip, yesterday.
The Lowlands, St Lucy side quickly wrapped up the Alexandra first innings for 159 after the school team resumed from 154 for seven overnight before making a strong reply.
They finished the second day of the four-day championship match on 171 for three off 57 overs, taking a 12-run first innings lead with Stanford on 66 not out following his four-wicket bowling effort.
Used in the unfamiliar role as opener, Stanford, who bats right-handed, played within his limitations while favouring the leg side.
He has so far struck four boundaries while batting defiantly against Alexandra’s spin-based bowling attack for 209 minutes and facing 193 balls.
Stanford featured in two partnerships which put Lords, who have already been promoted to the BCA’s Division 1 competition, in the ascendancy.
He shared an opening stand of 67 with his cousin Shonquono Stanford, who hit five fours and one six in a fluent 48 off 51 balls.
After Alexandra’s coach/player and former Maple captain Renaldo Parris, bowling his off-spin, trapped Shonquono leg before wicket, Kemar Stanford and left-hander Mario Boyce, who made 44, shared a second-wicket stand of 87 runs.
Alexandra got two late wickets as Boyce edged off-spinner Jason Worrell to slip where Barbados Under-15 player, Micaiah Simmons, who was substituting for Parris, held the catch.
Brandon Thompson was then at adjudged leg before wicket for four to left-arm spinner Dario Greaves, who used the new ball.
Earlier, experienced former Barbados One-Day bowler Khalid Springer, who was wicketless on Saturday’s first day, took the last three Alexandra wickets, including overnight batsman Limar Pierce for 44. (EZS)
