CWI Regional Four-Day tourney: Rain washes out day two play in Trinidad

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

Rain had the final say on the second day of Cricket West Indies’ Regional Four-Day championship tournament in all the matches in Trinidad and Tobago.

At the Queen’s Park Oval, where hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force were expected to resume the day on 203-9 against the Guyana Harpy Eagles, the rain ensured no play was possible.
According to the Weather Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, a Tropical Wave 04 was expected, with heavy, violent showers and gusty winds in excess of 55km/h.
Keemo Paul starred for the Guyana Harpy Eagles on the opening day of this fifth and final round by claiming 5-47 in 17 top overs. This triggered a Red Force collapse that saw seven wickets falling for 25 runs.

Speaking to Cricket West Indies media after the first day, the family man Paul dedicated his fourth five-wicket haul in first class cricket to his late uncle, and to his mom whom he said is going through a tough phase.
“I didn’t know if I was going to play today, so I dedicated this performance to him (my uncle), and to my mom also, who is going through a lot. I went out there and wanted to do well, I wanted to put out a performance for them,” he disclosed.
“Trinidad made full use of the pitch, and batted well. After tea, our plan was to bowl from one side of the wicket, set a proper field, and stick to our plans. We were under a bit of pressure after the first two rounds (of the competition), but when we came here, we stood up and showed what we’re all about. We enjoy each other’s company, and the camaraderie that we have is showing,” Paul told CWI media.
On the first day, Red Force won the toss and elected to bat first. The home team looked set to make amends for the batting woes experienced in the previous two rounds.
Jeremy Solozano and Jason Mohammed posted a century partnership, before Mohammed edged Demetri Cameron and departed for 68 runs made from 140 balls.
Mohammed’s wicket sparked a collapse, as Solozano followed for 72 runs from 252 balls, and no other Red Force batsman beside Isaiah Rajah (26) reached double figures.
The hosts ended day one on 203-9, with Terrance Hinds and Shannon Gabriel not out on nine and four respectively.
In addition to Paul, who ended the day with figures of 5/41 from 17 overs, Gudakesh Motie picked up 2/35 from 20 overs. The players were seen leaving Queen’s Park Oval at approximately 14:00h.