Eltham High's opener Shacoya Thomas pulls the ball during his innings of 95 against Jamaica College (JC) on yesterday's opening day of the Grace Shield Premier League final at Melbourne Oval. The wicketkeeper is Delano Mullings. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
SHACOYA THOMAS' half century has given defending champions Eltham a solid start against Jamaica College (JC) in their Grace Shield Premier League final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.
Thomas' 95 pushed Eltham to 298 for six at the close of first day of the three-day match.
The right-handed Thomas, who once held the competition's record for the highest individual score - 324 not out in last year's final against St. Catherine at this same venue - shared a 112-run second wicket partnership with captain Keshan Shattock who scored 46.
Thomas hit nine fours and one six in his innings, while Shattock hit five fours.
Eltham also benefitted from another useful partnership, 71, between Romeo Dunca, 46, and Sandre Watson, 25. Dunca hit two fours and a six, while Watson hit two boundaries.
Andre Bailey, 46, and Joel Bailey, 18, will resume their unbroken 56-run seventh wicket partnership when second day action gets underway at 10:00 a.m.
Narry Barry has so far taken 2-34 for JC.
Eltham's coach Oral Simpson said he is satisfied with his team's advance yesterday.
"I'm satisfied with where I am right now, but I was looking for about 350," he said.
"Most of the batsmen got good starts, but they did not carry on," he added.
Today he said he will be looking for "...a workable total, though we are extremely comfortable with what we have right now".
JC's coach David Robertson said he is not disappointed with Eltham's first day total.
"Definitely not disappointed ... In our team talk we expected if were batting second to chase over 300," he said.
"We would have liked an easier job, but it's a final and we're prepared to work to win the match," he added.
