Nevertheless, when his innings was finally ended by the occasional spin of Anil Balliram, Roberts had batted for over six hours for a responsible 166.
The knock, which contained some 25 fours and just one six, was the basis around which the AndrŽ Lawrence XI compiled its useful 310 for 9 declared. In reply, the Richard Smith XI reached 97 for 1 by the close. Another good day for batsmen was certainly an even better day for the national selectors. Having seen Smith get to 191 last week, they would have been heartened further by the numbers put up by Roberts. Unbeaten on 131 overnight, Roberts, who survived a mis-stumping off Mukesh Persad on 155, added 35 most of them largely in tandem with overnight partner Zaheer Ali.
The pair eventually posted 81 for the fifth wicket before the former West Indies Under-15 skipper was caught behind off pacer Marlon Black. The next five wickets, however, added just 61 runs as Balliram snapped up 3 batsmen-Roberts, Kendall Joseph and Rajindra Dhanraj-for five runs in 2.3 overs.
Anil Balliram's start will also cheer the selectors who will be hoping to see him better Roberts' tally when the Smith XI resumes today. Daren Ganga will resume with him on 27.
The only casualty so far has been Leon Romero, who went caught by Roberts at midwicket off Lawrence.
Scores
Lawrence XI: 310-9 dec. (L. Roberts 166, 25 fours, one six, 376 minutes, 249 balls, Z. Ali 35; M. Black 20-3-59-3, D. Pierre 2-36, Balliram 2.3-1-5-3).
Smith XI: 97-1 (A. Balliram 67 n.o, 12 fours, D. Ganga, 27 n.o., 3 fours).