Ian Allen - Jamaica's Wavell Hinds hits a six during his unbeaten innings of 131 against Trinidad and Tobago on the opening day of their West Indies Cricket Board Regional four-day cricket match at Sabina Park yesterday.
Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

A belligerent knock of 131 not out by middle-order batsman Wavell Hinds has put leaders Jamaica in pole position against second-place Trinidad and Tobago, heading into today's second day of their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-day Tournament clash at Sabina Park.

Hinds, who was the tournament's leading scorer last season, and is Jamaica's second-leading run getter this season, hit seven sixes and eleven fours during his innings, as Jamaica closed yesterday's opening day on 297 for five.

"At 60 for four, we thought we were in with a very good chance of bowling out Jamaica for a total close to 200.

However, thanks to Hinds, Nash and Bernard Jr they have consolidated well," said Trinidad pacer Rayard Emrit.

"But the wicket is good to bat, and if we can come tomorrow and pick up some early wickets then we could be able to give ourselves a chance at whatever total they eventually put up."

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Jamaica's captain Tamar Lambert would perhaps have been regretting his decision when, after 17.4 overs, the team found themselves 60 for four.

The first wicket to fall was that of opener Simon Jackson, who with the one played down the wrong line and was bowled for zero by the tournament's third-highest wicket taker, fast bowler Ryan Emrit.

caught at gully

This then brought Samuels to wicket, who along with Hyatt slowly took the score to 23, before the latter was caught at gully, trying to drive off impressive young pacer Shannon Gabriel, for seven.

The next batsman to enter the fray was 'Mr Dependable' Brendan Nash, and together he and Samuels were batting well. However, with the score on 59, Samuels, attempting a big drive and was caught at slip off the bowling of Sherwin Ganga for 25.

With the score on 60, Samuels' replacement, Lambert, after scoring just one run, was caught spectacularly at slip of the bowling of part-time seamer Lendl Simmons, much to the delight of the Trinidadians, who danced and pranced in wild jubilation.

But little did they know that celebrations would have been short-lived as thanks to a 116-run fifth-wicket partnership between Hinds, and Nash, Jamaica were able to stage a recovery.

The partnership, however, did come to an end when Nash, prodding forward to a fast delivery was adjudged leg before wicket having put together a well-played score of 66, and with the score on a respectable 176.

But if Trinidad thought that would have been the breakthrough that allowed them to run through Jamaica's middle to lower order, they were again in for another surprise as in David Bernard Jr, Hinds found an able partner and together they have so far put on 121 for the sixth wicket.

Bernard Jr ended the day on 55 not out.

"It is a good start overall for us given the fact that we were 60 for four at one stage and struggling," said Lambert.

"I thought that under the circumstances Hinds applied himself well, and come tomorrow we hope that he continues and help us to post a much bigger first-innings total."

Play is slated to resume today at 10 a.m.