STETHS coach Clive Ledgister

A devastating spell by national Under-19 fast bowler Omar Samuels put St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) in firm control against Innswood High at the end of day one of the ISSA/Grace Spalding Cup play-off at Chedwin Park in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Samuels, the spearhead of the national team at the West Indies Under-19 Championship, bagged five for 21, as Innswood, replying to STETHS 127 were on the run at 48 for six.

The three-day match will resume at 10 a.m. today.

"It's a long while I have not seen a fast bowler bowling with such life and control as Samuels did today and credit to him, we were able to bounce back," said STETHS coach Clive Ledgister.

The day began with Innswood winning the toss and asking STETHS to take first strike. The move proved an inspired one as off-spinner Peat Salmon ran rings around the STETHS batsmen bagging five for 37. Marshell Marsh assisted with three for 18. Former national Under-19 player Vaneil Bromfield, the last man out, top scored for the boys from Santa Cruz, while Kerry Holness made 24, and former national Under-19 captain Paul Palmer Jr, 22.

But there was no easy ride for Innswood as they were jolted early by 18-year-old Samuels.

They lost their first wicket and the in-form and influential captain and former national Under-19 opener Oraine Williams with the score on nought and the second, their second-leading run getter Peat Salmon with the score on four, and thereafter never really recovered.

"We were hoping for a better start after our bowlers did an outstanding job. However, our batsmen did not apply themselves and at the moment they have the upper hand," said Innswood coach, Kirk Gordon.

"But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and we will be trying to get the runs by all means possible, as we have capable batsmen remaining," he added.