Chase holds firm to hand Hamilton’s XI victory

All-rounder Roston Chase put in a workmanlike performance that must have prompted the interest of the West Indies selectors, as he guided Jahmar Hamilton's Team 'B' to a three-wicket win over Jermaine Blackwood's Team 'A' on the final day of their intra-squad four-day practice match in St Lucia yesterday.

The right-hander, who is looking to retain his place in the Test side when they face South Africa next week, hit an unbeaten 45 to guide Hamilton's XI to 313 for seven after the side needed 93 runs for victory on the final day.

Chase, who had retired on day three when he had scored just one run, came to the crease after overnight batsman Paul Palmer Jr fell for 23 to medium-pacer Kyle Mayers.

When the other overnight batsman, Raymon Reifer, fell leg before wicket to Rahkeem Cornwall for 32 at 239 for six, Blackwood's XI looked to have secured control of the match. But Chase and Keron Cottoy had other ideas, and the pair shared in a 61-run unbroken eighth-wicket stand, to see the 'B' side to victory.

Chase hit six fours and two sixes in his unbeaten knock while Cottoy ended on 19 not out.

It was a good all-around performance for Chase, who also followed up his 35 runs in the first innings with five wickets in the match.

Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall was the leading bowler for Blackwood's XI, with three for 99 from a marathon 32 overs.

Scores in the match: Blackwood's Team 'A' 264 & 224 all out. Hamilton's Team 'B' 178 and 313 for seven. In the meantime, both captains had positive reviews following the four-day warm-up contest for the first Test against South Africa.

"The game played out really well and there were good partnerships both in the batting and bowling, and all I can say it's just up from here because it's all about improving West Indies cricket," said winning captain Hamilton.

"We had the best 30 red-ball players here, and as you can see, we have some good talent in both batting and bowling and they went out and showed that talent," said Blackwood.

The West Indies selectors will now meet to decide the final squad for the Test series which bowls off at the Darren Sammy Stadium next Thursday.