JERMAINE LANNAMAN, STAR Writer

DEFENDING champions Portmore Pines made good on their intentions to defend their Portmore Cricket Association Wray and Nephew Twenty20 crown with a 155-run win over Gregory Park at Bridgeport Sports Complex yesterday.

In what was the first game of an opening round double-header, Portmore Pines, on the back of a century from Damion Bryce, piled up 186 for one off 15 overs.

This was after the overs were reduced due to overnight rain.

Bryce scored 117 not out off 50 balls, and got good support from his twin brother Andre, who ended unbeaten on 58 off 27.

Gregory Park, in response, were then dismissed for 31 off 10.5 overs, with leg-spinner Jermaine Bennett taking four 15, and Andre, three for two, including a hat-trick.

"The tournament this year is a knockout, and as a senior player the team is expecting a lot from me this year," said Bryce.

"I therefore had to stand up, and try to hold my head and bat through until the end.

"It was a difficult wicket to bat on, as the pitch was playing unpredictable, but I am happy I was able to pull through," he disclosed.

The venues other matchup between last year's beaten finalist G.C. Foster College and Passagefort ending with victory for the latter.

Passagefort first made a respectable 104 for eight off their allotted overs with Rushane Bird, 49, leading the way against Gavin Wallace and Stefan Casey, who claimed three wickets each.

G.C. Foster were then restricted to 75 off 17 overs courtesy of off-spinners Jason Russell, four for 12, and Bird, two for 19.