Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
SPINNER Iva Johnson took five for 23 to lead last year's 'A' champions Spanish Town to an easy seven-wicket win over Bridgeport in their opening round Grace Shield Premier League cricket match at Bridgeport Sports Club yesterday.
Meanwhile, defending champions St. Jago suffered a scare before holding on for a draw against host St. Catherine High at St. John's Road.
At Bridgeport Sports Club the home team, Bridgeport, were blown away for 107 and Spanish Town replied with 111 for three.
When Bridgeport batted, only Omar Reynolds, 23, Jerry Reynolds, 22 were able to make any worthwhile contribution against Johnson, who bowled 14 unchanged overs, Ricardo Ennis (2-8) and pacer Brian Wright (2-19).
In their turn at bat, Spanish Town who defeated Calabar in last year's 'A' final secured victory with Wayne Morgan, 40, Maridano Dixon, 19 as well as undefeated batsmen Carlos Davis, 24, and Kevon Goldson, 18, who shared 35 for the fourth wicket.
At St. John's Road, St. Catherine first made 220 to which St. Jago replied with 122 for nine when badlight stopped play.
Bjorn Cooper, 68, Lansford Henry, 41, and Fabian Goodall, 28, led the way in St. Catherine's total against Joseph Lemmie (3-42), left-arm spinner David Lemmie (2-24), Jahier Williams (2-42).
In reply, St. Jago found the going tough as only Damion Henry, 32, David Lemmie, 18, and Oniel Morgan, 19 were able to reach double figures against Henry (3-33).
Action continues today in the 'A' League section, Mona vs Campion at Mona, Ardenne vs Papine at Ardenne and Holy Trinity vs Kingston Technical, matches start at 10:00.
