Sylvester Louis, in what appears to be his farewell performance in a lengthy, outstanding career, yesterday put himself on the verge of one of Division 1 cricket's most prized records.

Exploiting helpful bowling conditions, the 41-year-old station sergeant captured five of six United Carlton wickets on a day in which the entire pre-tea session was lost because of a wet outfield.

They carried him to 84 scalps, the same number experienced left-arm spinner Winston Reid achieved for Sports & Games YMPC in 1995.

Police, the champions-in-waiting, need another four wickets to clinch first innings points, and Louis also seems certain to gain the double satisfaction of a record and the lawmen's first Division 1 championship in more than a decade.

Carlton struggled for most of the day and it was only noteworthy that wickets fell in sets of twos - two with the score at seven, 47 and 48.

Louis struck twice in his first over in which Ian Brathwaite was lbw pushing forward and Wilbur Bruce was bowled playing down the wrong line.

The Clarke cousins, Jason and Shirley, batted for an hour-and-a-quarter before skipper Shirley was caught by Emmerson Sealy running around from mid-on.

Jason, the strong left-hander, swung Louis over mid-wicket for six and added another over the bowler's head and onto Weymouth ``B'' before cutting a short ball to second slip off Alvin Campbell.

Louis snapped up Ron Cumberbatch, who played on, and Orion Lewis, lbw offering no stroke.

Another 45 minutes were available for Louis to clinch the record, but Louis Lynch and Allan Rogers survived until the close.