ORLANDO Baker and Donovan Pagon hit half-centuries for Robert Samuels' XI to close the second day in a strong position against Gareth Breese's XI in the second practice match in preparation for the 2002 Busta Cup competition which starts in late January.
Baker who represented Jamaica in last year's competition smashed nine fours in a fluent knock of 62 not out as Samuels' X1 reached 143 for one replying to Breese's X1 332.
The right-handed Baker shared in an opening stand of 116 with Shell West Indies Cricket Academy graduate Pagon who got 56 with six fours and two sixes from 97 deliveries.
Former Jamaica youth captain Tamar Lambert (15 not out) and Baker have so far featured in an unbroken second wicket partnership of 27.
Earlier, Breese's X1 resuming on 195 for three reached 332 with Denville McKenzie getting 58 and Ryan Smith 20. Mais two for 31, Leon Bent two for 63 and Bevon Brown two for 68 were the leading bowlers for Samuels' XI.
