Bajan bowlers floor Windwards for 113

BRIDGETOWN: Barbados’ bowlers floored the Windward Islands for 113 yesterday to set up a position of authority on the first day of the second round Carib Beer Series cricket match.

The home team closed at 82 for three, with a first-innings lead firmly in their sights. Left-handed opener Martin Nurse topscored with 31. Earlier, pacers Tino Best (four for 33) and Pedro Collins (three for 28) combined to wreck the visitors. Experienced wicket-keeper/batsman Junior Murray provided the lone resistance with a spirited, unbeaten 57. The 22-year-old Best, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker in 2003, got the home team off to a fine start after captain Courtney Browne won the toss at the North Stars club in St Lucy.

Best removed Romel Currency (4) to a first slip catch in his first over, and followed up with the prize wicket of Devon Smith (13) at 24 for two. Left-hander Smith, a century-maker in the first round, top-edged a hook to fine leg. Barbados, double crown champions of 2003, were made to work hard as the Windwards’ bowlers put in a more disciplined performance than their batsmen.