Samuels ... claimed eight wickets and made a half century.A SUPERB all-round performance from Marlon Samuels led Melbourne to first innings honours over St. Catherine CC on yesterday's opening day of their seventh round Supreme Ventures Super Cup match at Melbourne Oval.
Samuels bowled impressive overs to capture 8-34 from 22 overs as St. Catherine were blown away for 104.
He then returned to hit an important 54 which pulled Melbourne from 34-5 to 220, a first innings lead of 116.
Samuels and Andre McCarthy added 91 important runs for the sixth wicket.
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However, after Samuels, who hit seven fours and a six off Gavin Wallace which caused some damage after ending up in the bar, departed, McCarthy and Llewellyn Meggs also came good.
McCarthy, who struck seven fours and one six from 75 deliveries in making 53, and Meggs, whose 61 included seven fours and three sixes, added 61 for the seventh wicket and stamped Melbourne's hold on the game.
Damion Morgan, who bowled an impressive opening spell in which he removed Omar Allison, Yanick Elliot and Fitzroy Peterkin all without scoring, finished with figures of with 5-43.
At Alpart, replying to Manchester's 219 (Donovan Sinclair 71, Gary Graham 54; Wayne Simpson 7-70), St. Elizabeth were 98-5.
At Gray's Inn, replying to JDF's 152 (Cladious Thompson 4-40, Ian McLeod 3-23), St. Mary were 79-7 ( Tyson Gordon 23 not out).
At Port Esquivel, St. Catherine Parish scored 129 (Erron Downer 59; Nehemiah Perry 3-23) to which Kingston in reply were 102-5.
At Kensington, Lucas made 217 (Tarique Cousins 56). In pursuit, Kensington were 32-1.
