Patient Allen gets unbeaten 105

Rising Jamaica Scorpions middle-order batsman Fabian Allen has described his second consecutive unbeaten first-class century as one that required a lot of concentration and focus.

The recent West Indies Under-19 player, playing in his third match of the season, scored 105 not out to emerge as the top batsman for Jamaica, who, after resuming the third day on 261 for eight, went on to post 325 in their first innings.

This was in reply to 200 made by the Windwards Volcanoes. The Volcanoes, batting a second time, closed on 169 for six for an overall lead of 17 runs.

"It was a good hundred as it required me to show a lot of concentration and focus,'' said 22-year-old Allen. ''But it was a challenge that I was up for as I have trained and worked hard for these moments.''

Allen, who entered the crease with Jamaica in a spot of trouble at 149 for four on day two, found a useful partner in captain Nikita Miller when Jamaica fell to 209 for eight.

He displayed a wide array of drives, cuts, and pulls, and when he brought up his century, he was duly applauded by the small gathering of spectators that were on hand.

The knock, which came off 203 balls and featured 11 fours, followed the 169 not out he made in his last outing against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in Trinidad.

RECORD 141-RUN PARTNERSHIP

It also formed the backbone of a record 141-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Miller, who scored 52.

Seasoned campaigner off-spinner Shane Shillingford ended with seven for 94 off 44 overs.

"It really felt good batting with the captain as it helped me to stay focused and ensure that we achieved the targets we had set,'' said Allen, who made 68 not out in his opening game of the season against Guyana Jaguars.

"The knock has also put us in a good position to press for our second win of the season,'' he added.

Miller, who claimed five for 60 in the first innings and who currently has figures of five for 45 in the second, will be hoping to extend his very good bowling form.

Playing in his second match of the season, Miller claimed two five-wicket hauls against Leeward Islands Hurricanes two weeks ago on his return from injury.

Another recent West Indies Under-19 batsman, Roland Cato, 41, and Shillingford, 8, will resume batting today for the Windwards.