Lucas take command

The Jamaica Gleaner

9 August 1998


At Nelson Oval: Lucas 253 after 86 overs; Middlesex 59 for four.

Former national representatives Cleveland Davidson and Alford Givance scored centuries, while spinner Colin Buchanan bagged five wickets to highlight the first day's play of the County championship's yesterday.

Givance, following his 83 against Cornwall last week, scored 105 with 17 well-timed boundaries and he shared two vital partnerships with Andfre Coley and Oneil Cruickshank.

Givance and Coley took Lucas from a precarious 33-2 to 105 before Coley was leg before to pacer Brenton Beckford for 40 (six fours from 75 balls).

Lucas started shakily, losing opening batsman and captain Delroy Morgan in the second over of the day when he was caught by wicketkeeper Howard Harris off the first ball faced from pacer Brenton Beckford and soon after Kevin Riley was also leg before to Beckford for ten.

Cruickshank and Givance also posted a solid 109-run fourth wicket partnership to take Lucas past the 200 mark before Givance was bowled by Fredrick Redwood.

Buchanan pocketed 5-36 from 12 overs, Beckford 3-29 from 13 overs and Redwood 2-52 from 14 overs.

Middlesex were reeling at 59-4 at the close with spinner Paul Beckett taking two wickets.

At Melbourne Oval: Former Jamaica middle-order batsman Cleveland Davidson hit a sparkling 153 to lead Cornwall to 302 all out against champions Melbourne at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

Cornwall scored their runs off 78.1 overs. At the close Melbourne were 90 for two wickets off 25.4 overs.

Melbourne, after winning the toss and sending Cornwall to bat, had the visitors in trouble at 29 for three wickets. However, Davidson joined Sheldon Gordon and they carried the score to 102 before the latter went for 38 (seven fours), leaving Cornwall at 102 for four.

Davidson, playing some classic strokes, was helped by captain Everton Coach who made 36 (six fours) as they put on 86 for the fifth wicket before Coach was dismissed. Cornwall lost their sixth wicket at 225 before Davidson began to dominate the batting.

He scored his half century in 80 minutes and his century came in 153 minutes. He was given good support by Anthony Andrews who contributed 28 (five fours).

Davidson went on to reach reach his 150 in 233 minutes before he was well caught by Colin Fletcher over his head running backwards at point.

Cornwall lost their remaining two wickets without any addition to the total. Marlon Samuels took 3-86, Colin Fletcher 2-40 and Derron Dixon 2-44.


Source: The Jamaica Gleaner

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Date-stamped : 07 Oct1998 - 04:24