Red Force stutter on rain-hit day

After day one on Friday was completely washed out due to rain, only 57 overs were possible yesterday due to inclement weather.

The hosts were cruising at 162 without loss but lost four wickets for 10 runs in the closing stages as the Red Force closed on 173/4. Spin bowlers Rahkeem Cornwall (2/39) and Kieran Powell (2/16) shared the wickets to leave the match interestingly poised heading into day three.

Kyle Hope continued his top form stroking his third half century of the season but could not convert his score into three figures as he fell for 86. The right-hander played positively hitting 10 fours in his 119-ball knock. Hope scored 56 and 79 not out against the Windward Islands Volcanoes in Round One. Left-handed Isaiah Rajah looked solid at the crease on his First Class debut contributing 69 off 161 deliveries which comprised 11 fours.

With many overs lost to rain TT Red Force played aggressively maybe in an effort to bat once in the match to force an outright win.

However, wickets tumbled in the closing stages which stemmed the flow of runs for the Red Force. Hope was the first to go as he was given leg before to Cornwall, before Rajah fell shortly after to Powell.

Red Force captain Yannick Ottley fell for one off Powell as his poor run of form continued this season. Ottley scored 10, 13 and two in his previous innings this season.

The Red Force sent in nightwatchman Marlon Richards but the strategy did not work as he was dismissed first ball to Cornwall to leave TT on 172/4.

Yannic Cariah (seven) and Jyd Goolie (one) avoided any further damage seeing TT to the close.

Play resumes today from 9.30 am weather permitting