Maple take first innings

Despite the valiant efforts of the Banks team, CGI/Sandy Crest Maple’s batsmen managed to overcome early problems along the way yesterday, and in the end seemed set to advance to the final in the Barbados Cricket Association’s Intermediate Division competition.
Having been made to fight all the way, they secured the all-important first innings lead and at the close of the second day’s play in their semi-final were 148 for seven in reply to the 105 all out made by Banks on the first day.
With all credit to the management and ground staff of the Isolation Cricket Club, play once again started promptly after the heavy showers throughout the week.
Maple, resuming from overweek on 30 for one, continued somewhat cautiously in approaching the opponents’ total.
They slumped to 103 for six but then a seventh-wicket partnership between all-rounder Shamari Nurse (30 not out) and Lamar Worrell, who was unfortunately run out for 16, saw them claw their way past the Banks total.
When play resumes today, the not out pair of Nurse and Curtis Small  would be looking to bat as long as possible and in so doing put the final nail in the Banks coffin.
Summarised scores: Banks 105. Maple 148-7 in 69 overs (S. Nurse 30 n.o., A. Jones 26, J. Worrell 24, M. Albert 18, L. Worrell 16, D. O’Neale 11, M. Hoyte 3-47). (LH)