Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterFORMER WEST Indies players Krishmar Santokie, Xavier Marshall and Howard Powell put Jamaica in a commanding position against the Windward Islands in their opening round three-day regional Under-19 cricket clash yesterday at Port Esquivel.
Santokie (74) and Marshall (66) helped steer Jamaica to 263 all out, replying to Windward Islands first innings total of 113, and batting a second time the visitors closed at 52 for four, still needing another 98 runs to make the hosts bat again.
Jamaica, resuming on their overnight 51 for one, Marshall and nightwatchman Wayne Simpson took the score 81 before the latter went, run out for 12.
Skipper Shawn Findlay joined Marshall and the two looked good at the crease with the latter the more dominant, hitting the Windwards bowlers to all parts of the field. Playing fine square drives, Marshall eventually fell to the shot that provided most of his runs, caught at point by Liam Sebastian at 123 for three. The 17-year-old belted six fours and a six from 153 deliveries.
When Findlay started to accelerate, pacer Emil Anthony had him cut at a loose ball which took the top edge and went to wickerkeeper Lindon James.
Jamaica then suffered a middle-order collapse and were reeling on 149 for five at tea.
Upon the resumption, Jamaica lost Howard Powell (14) and St. Clair Searchwell (19) as they slipped to 195 for seven. However, Santokie came to the rescue and along with Junior Stewart, who played the supporting role, shared in an 61-run partnership as the hosts were able to dictate the pace of the game.
Santokie, playing his usual swashbuckling innings was the ninth man to be dismissed for 74.
Batting a second time, the Windwards were going well at 42 for one when the off-spin of Powell was introduced. Powell removed Delroy Johnson (19) before having Emmanuel (14) caught and bowled.
