Hope just misses ton

Kyle Hope cutting during his knock of 98. (Picture by Kenmore Bynoe.)

By Louis Holder | Sat, January 28, 2012 - 12:03 AM

Middle order batsman Kyle Hope fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century by two runs as the Shane Dowrich XI were dismissed for 202 yesterday.

It was the first day of the final Barbados Cricket Association trial match in preparation for the upcoming Regional Four-Day Competition.

On a pitch that gave generous assistance to the bowlers, Hope stemmed the tide, surviving chances off successive deliveries when on 67 to show his true mettle.

He remained solid throughout his innings as wickets fell steadily around him after opposing captain Kirk Edwards had asked the Shane Dowrich XI to take first knock.

Hope was unlucky not to reach three figures, falling when his loose drive to a Kenroy Williams delivery was caught in the covers by Kemar Roach.

The side lost both openers early. Martin Nurse was caught in the gully by Omar Phillips off a rising delivery from Miguel Cummins and Kraigg Brathwaite was bowled by medium pacer Justin Greaves for ten.

But a third-wicket stand of 49 between Hope and Jason Haynes (18) rebuilt the innings until the latter was leg before wicket to Jomel Warrican.

Hope took centre stage and remained unperturbed in spite of the two lives offered. He struck seven fours and faced 227 balls in the innings that lasted 284 minutes.

Of the other batsmen, only Dowrich (22), who featured in a 49-run seventh-wicket stand with Hope, showed any real resistance.

Left-arm spinner Warrican, who operated from the northern end, was the most successful bowler for Edwards’ X1, finishing with four for 58 off 23.4 overs.

Medium pacers Greaves (two for 24) and Dwayne Smith (two for 15) supported well.

At the close, Edwards XI were five without loss.

The game continues today at 10 a.m.