Thomas sets up LIME to ‘uncork’ Banks

RANDY THOMAS fell nine runs short of his second century for the season, but still helped LIME to first innings honours over Banks.Despite losing batsman Aubrey Towler who did not add to his overnight score with the total on 44, LIME’s middle order easily overhauled the modest Banks’ first innings total of 164 runs.Thomas, resuming on 17 overnight, seemed entrenched for a second century when he gifted his wicket at 91 against a trouble-free Banks attack. He struck eight fours and three sixes from 148 balls in 217 minutes of batting.He featured in two crucial partnerships, first a third-wicket stand of 57 with Ashley Nurse, who hit a run-a-ball 27 and then a fourth-wicket partnership of 64 with the aggressive Cyprian Payne, who contributed a quick 34 from 48 deliveries.LIME’s final total of 260 from 65.3 overs was given a low order boost by 18-year-old Alex Browne, who stroked a majestic 53 not out from 59 balls, with five fours and three sixes. Martin Nurse was Banks’ chief wicket-taker with three for 43.In deficit by 96 runs, Banks started their second innings disastrously losing opener Kofi Hurdle with nine runs on the board. They would eventually finish on 73 for three off  26 overs with the aggressive Nurse contributing 49 not out from 88 balls with seven fours and one six.Jeremy Marshall has picked up two for 33 for LIME, who would be fancying their chances of pressing for an outright victory today.