WICB Regional Championship TT V Barbados

Day 1
February 27th 2009

Dashing middle order batsmen Darren Bravo stroked a fine century on return from injury and Kieron Pollard smashed another, as Trinidad & Tobago pummeled Barbados on the opening day of their WICB Regional first class match on Friday.

The left-handed Bravo carved out 111 while Pollard cracked an unbeaten 110, knocks that propelled the hosts to a commanding 333 for five at the close in their eighth round encounter at Guaracara Park.

Bravo, back from the finger injury that kept him out for the last three rounds, continued where he left off earlier in the season, striking 18 fours off 219 balls in 281 minutes at the crease.

Pollard, who fell six short of a century against Guyana in the last round, raised his landmark in 231 minutes off 134 balls with eight fours and three sixes.

The duo,who represent local club Queen’s Park, added 250 runs for the third wicket off 363 balls to take the game away from the second placed Barbadians who had reduced the hosts to 79 for three after being asked to bowl first.

Amidst the carnage, Barbados’ best bowler was veteran seamer Corey Collymore who finished with two for 54.

Pollard was on the attack from the outset while Bravo took a while to find his way after his long lay off, but he soon found his stride to help lead T&T’s recovery.

The Brian Lara look-alike played an array of stunning shots and Pollard matched him stride for stride, much to the dismay of the hapless visitors’ attack.

Pollard was the first to bring up his half century – his third of the season off just 83 balls with seven fours and a six. Bravo soon followed and reached his half century with a delightful square drive to the point boundary. His milestone came off 126 balls and included nine fours.

There was no letting up and the pair prospered with Bravo dominating the cover area with a plethora of exciting drives. The 20-year old eventually raised his second regional first class century in style, reeling off four successive boundaries.

After being stuck in the 90s, Pollard also recorded his century when he lofted medium pacer Dwayne Smith to the long off boundary.

Bravo fell just before the close to a tame dismissal, driving Smith to skipper Jason Haynes at short cover.

Earlier opener Lendl Simmons sustained his fine form with 44 and Adrian Barath scored 20 in an opening stand of 51.

Following a break for rain, Collymore claimed Barath to a catch by Kevin Stoute at point and at 72, also trapped Simmons leg before wicket.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach then accounted for captain Daren Ganga cheaply for nine as T&T lost their third wicket seven runs later.

However, Pollard and Bravo quickly quelled any thoughts Barbados had of taking control of the game.

Day 1 Scoreboard

T&T vs Barbados L Simmons lbw Collymore*44 A Barath c Stoute b Collymore*20 D Ganga c Browne b Roach*9 D Bravo c Haynes b Smith*111 K Pollard not out*110 A Jaggernauth lbw Collins*0 S Ganga not out*3 Extras b5, w1, nb25, lb5*36 Total for five wkts*333 Fall of wkts: 51, 72, 79, 329, 330,

Bowling: P Collins 17-4-58-1 (nb2), C Collymore 19-5-54-2, K Roach 12-1-76-1 (13nb, 1w), D Smith 15-4-33-1 (5nb), N Charles 11-2-42-0 (nb1), K Stoute 11-1-60-0 (nb4).