Manchester wrest Headley Cup advantage on day one
Published:Thursday | April 11, 2024 | 12:10 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
MANCHESTER HIGH School closed day one of the 2024 ISSA GK Insurance Grace Headley Cup final in the driver’s seat against last season’s beaten finalists May Day High School, the latter closing with only one wicket remaining, trailing by 101 runs.
After winning the toss, Manchester opted to bat first, scoring 219 with the help of a 74-run partnership between Pajay Nelson and Matthew Morgan.
Nelson top-scored with 67, while Morgan fell short of a half-century with 46. Rhevon Morgan added a further 40 as the Barry Barnes-coached team dragged themselves to a respectable first-innings total.
May Day’s spin wizard, Chadwick Hewitt, was the pick of his side’s bowlers, bagging 5/49. Hewitt was helped by seamer Nashane Meade, who ended with 2/46.
In reply, May Day, with just 33 overs to face, limped to 118/9 with Hewitt producing the only resistance with a shot-filled 55. All-rounder Rhevon Morgan wreaked havoc, putting up figures of 4 for 17 from his nine overs, his raw pace leaving the May Day batters shell shocked.
Manchester coach Barry Barnes wasn’t totally pleased with the performance of his team on day one, expecting more from his senior players.
“I’m a little bit disappointed as I think the wicket is a good wicket. Brian Barnes, captain of the team and batsman Matthew Morgan, when I saw how they got out, I was disappointed because both are playing their last game for Manchester. I thought they would go out with a bang, and they got a glorious opportunity, “ he said.
Day two action begins at 10 a.m.