By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
THE SECOND semi-final in the John Issa/SuperClubs, Super-Inclusive Resorts sponsored St. Ann/St. Mary Hotels cricket competition between defending champions Royal Decameron and Shaw Park was washed out at Content Gardens yesterday.
However, the rain could not prevent Cleveland Davidson from recording another century in hotel cricket.
Davidson scored an unbeaten 108 and with Orville Pennant (54) and Tyson Gordon (50), Royal Decameron reached 304 for five off their allotted 40 overs.
Davidson, a former Jamaica player belted eight sixes and seven fours in his innings and along with Gordon, who struck three sixes and three fours, shared in an important 142-run fifth wicket stand, which provided the platform for their team's massive total.
On his arrival at the crease, the right-handed Davidson immediately took control of a weak bowling attack and, along with the Gordon, dictated the pace of the game. The pair played shots all around the small Content Gardens outfield, Robert Samuels, the Shaw Park skipper, tried everything but could not stem the run flow.
At one stage, the two looked as if they were going to bat for the entire 40 overs but left-arm spinner Andre Dwyer (1-58) had Taylor caught at short mid-off by Robert Samuels for a well-played half century.
The Westmoreland Senior Cup player Davidson, aided by two missed chances, one by Marlon Samuels on the mid-wicket boundary and a caught and bowled by Courtney Laing reached his ton off just 68 deliveries.
At the fall of Gordon's wicket, Davidson found another useful partner in Wayne Cuff (25 not out) and the two put on an unbroken 44 runs for the sixth wicket, which took Royal Decameron through their 40 overs without further loss.
Earlier, Royal Decameron opened with Alton Taylor (28) and Christopher Hamilton (two). They put on five runs for the first wicket before Hamilton, pulling at fast bowler Audley Sanson (1-42), was caught behind by wicketkeeper Junior Stewart running backwards.
Orville Pennant (54) and Taylor then featured in an important 87-run second wicket partnership, before Pennant, a former Jamaican batsman playing one shot too many went to Richard Francis (1-52).
Royal Decameron then slipped to 118 for four, losing the wickets of Taylor and Brian Murphy (24).
The match will be replayed on Monday at the same venue, staring at 10:30 a.m., however, Royal Decameron are crying foul.
The defending champions believe that by virtue of their victory over Shaw Park in the preliminary round there should be no replay.
