Simpson glad to place STETHS ahead in Spalding Cup

WESTERN BUREAU:

A solid performance from leg spinner Javed Simpson gave St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) a slight advantage in the rain-affected Spalding Cup under-19 all-island cricket playoff over Wolmer's Boys' School yesterday in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth.

Wolmer's reached 109 for the loss of six wickets when weather interrupted play in Santa Cruz, as Simpson grabbed three wickets for 28 runs off nine overs before a wet outfield after the rain halted play.

He took the wickets of the two batsmen, who looked set at the crease in a partnership worth 48 runs. He also found himself on a hat-trick at a stage, but Matthew Aljoe navigated the delivery to deny the Under-19 West Indies invitee the milestone.

Simpson came into the match in scintillating form after grabbing four wickets for six runs off just two overs in Monday's T20 win over Black River High and five wickets in last week's Senior Cup match.

Simpson, who admitted he was a bit disappointed in not getting the hat-trick, said: "I am pleased with the performance. I got the balls in the right areas, got it to spin and got the batsmen thinking. I was not under any pressure bowling a hat-trick ball. I just went about it normally in trying to get the ball in the right area."

STETHS started the day making the best of a bit of moisture in the surface with their pace bowler Govasta Edmond grabbing two early wickets, and had they been more clinical could have had more.

Justin Beckford, who looked in sublime touch before getting out, and Nicole McKenzie offered resistance with 28 runs each. They both fell to Simpson.

Simpson said they are aware the game could be decided on first innings with the weather interruption.

"Tomorrow (today), we just have to come out and try to get the wickets and restrict them to less than 150 and just try to get first innings. Yes, getting a five-for is something I am thinking about," Simpson said.

Wolmer's coach, Jerraine Williams, said they are also eyeing first innings and have to get a good score on the board.

"We just have to get the guys in the right frame of mind to get some runs. We have Alex Hinds out there, who got 97 in the last game, and Matthew Aljoe has some quality, and we still have a few that can come and chip in with some runs. We want to get a good total on the board so the bowlers can work with it," Williams said.