Anthony Foster, Freelance writer
A WET pitch delayed the start of the Colts Under-16 final between Eltham and St. Elizabeth Technical for almost three hours at Manchester High yesterday.
By the time the umpires were satisfied with the condition of the pitch at minutes to 3:00 p.m., they were also forced to reduce the original 95-over per side contest to 70 overs.
At the end of the opening day's play, Eltham, after facing 50 overs, were 133 for three. The Urban champs lost the toss and were sent in to bat, a decision STETHS benefited from when Jason Dawes (1-24) trapped Matthew Stewart leg before for two runs in the third over.
The Santa Cruz-based boys were made to work harder from there on though, as Shane Harris joined Romeo Duncan as they put together 55 runs in 26 overs for the second wicket.
STUMPED DOWN
Harris was the first to depart when he also fell leg before for 14. Duncan was the more aggressive of the pair and the left-hander was timing and hitting the ball nicely before he was stumped down the leg side by former national Under-15 wicketkeeper Ishmael Parch-ment off left-arm spinner Jelaine Robinson for 37.
Things were then left up to Sandre Watson and Romeo Parker but the latter hurt himself with his own bat and was forced to retired hurt without scoring. Andre Scott joined Watson and the two have so far put together 40 for the fourth wicket. At stumps Watson was undefeated on 48 (8x4) and Scott 11.
Play resumes today at 10:00.
