Melbourne, UWI locked in interesting battle

An interesting final day looms heading into the second and final day of the Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup between Melbourne CC and University of the West Indies (UWI) at Sabina Park.

At the close of play, Melbourne were a comfortable 74 without loss, in chase of a competitive 299, made by UWI in their first innings.

Leading the way for Melbourne, who require another 226 to claim what could be a decisive first innings honours, are United States captain Steven Taylor, and Guyana-born Trevon Griffith.

Taylor has so far hit four fours and a six, for 33 not out, while Griffith with four fours, is 30 not out.

Earlier, UWI, after being asked to take first strike, were led by knocks of 78 and 60 from national batsman and captain Paul Palmer, and Sadique Henry, respectively.

West Indies Under-19 World Cup-winning batsman Michael Frew, 39, West Indies one-day batsman Rovman Powell, 34, and Romaine Morris, also contributed.

West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller picked up six for 74.

"The start that we have given ourselves chasing a decent total is a good one," said Melbourne captain Nikita Miller.

"But we are no where near winning the match as yet. We just have to come tomorrow, get a start, and consolidate.

Palmer, in the meantime, while pointing to a slow start, believes that bowling consistency will be key for them to triumph.

"It is still a fairly even game, albeit, they are 70-odd without loss," Palmer said.

"But we don't know what day two will bring. We just have to come out and be more consistent than we have been so far, with the ball."