Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
RURAL AREA champions Holmwood Technical hold the edge over urban champions Eltham entering today's second and penultimate day of their Spaulding Cup final at Melbourne Oval.
When play begins at 10:00 this morning, Holmwood will resume on 192-8 in reply to Eltham's meagre total of 108.
Batting first, Eltham were made to struggle from the start as they slipped to 19-4 within 10 overs. Shacoya Thomas, who scored 324 not out in last year's Grace Shield final, was the first to be dismissed for seven.
He was soon followed back to the pavilion by Romeo Parker, Keshan Shattock and Kino-Paul Sailsman who all went without scoring.
STOOD FIRM
Despite the slide, opener Matthew Stewart, 21, stood firm at the other end and with Romeo Dunca, 41, added 62 for the fifth wicket to add some respectability to Eltham's innings.
However, when was Dunca caught off Andre Creary and Stewart of by the same method off Andre McCarthy (1-27), Eltham lost their last six wickets for 27 runs.
Ricardo Sitheron, who was overlooked by the Jamaican selectors for the West Indies Under-19 tournament, finished with 3-24. He was supported by Ventura Reid (2-13) and Creary (2-5).
At their turn at bat, Marlon Johnson hit 23 and, along with former youth player Jeffrey Scott, 22, put on an opening stand of 44.
However, the innings of Andre McCarthy, 55, and Creary, 52, were what took Holmwood past Eltham's total in a 104-run third wicket partnership.
However, late in the afternoon Holmwood slipped from 159 for two to 192 for eight.
Frederick Hermitt, who has so far taken 3-71, and Sandre Watson, 2-39, have put Eltham back into the game.
