by HAYDN GILL

WINSTON REID has called it quits after years of outstanding service on the field of play, but there is a new role for him beyond the boundary.

A year after inspiring Banks to the Division 1 cricket title, the champion left-arm spinner has been appointed as the team's technical adviser.

"It's another role, another challenge. Hopefully, I can fill this one just as well as I did when I was on the field," Reid said.

His first day on the job in a match setting last Saturday wasn't satisfactory.

Banks came up against CGI Maple, the same opponents they toppled in the final last year, but they were subjected to a caning at the Brewery as the visitors belted 379 for eight on the opening day of the new season.

Century

The hosts made the early running to reduce Maple to 96 for six, but the St James men were pulled around by a belligerent 153 from Barrington Yearwood and his successive century partnerships with captain Khalid Springer and Kemar Roach.

Roach, fresh from a maiden career century in the Jamaica Super League, resumes today on 62, eying another triple-figure score.

When Maple are finished batting, Roach and company will look to restrict Banks to a modest total and claim a sizeable first innings advantage.

Maple are already assured of the maximum four batting points for passing 300 inside the first 75 overs. Banks can attain maximum bowling points if they can claim the ninth wicket of the innings within the first three overs of the day.

The other key match last Saturday featured a few similarities to what transpired at the Brewery.

Over at Bank Hall, BNB St Catherine recovered from a precarious 80 for five to make 244 against ICBL Empire.

The fightback was centred around a sixth-wicket partnership of 143 between all-rounders Ulric Batson and Stefan Gooding, who each made 79.

The team who made the most progress on the opening day were ESA Field Pickwick who romped to first innings lead against Oran/Carib Bristol at Old Coleridge.

Pickwick resume on 152 for five in response to 104 and must be confident of starting the season with a victory.

Most of the other matches should feature keen battles for first innings lead.

Significantly, however, in an amendment to the rules, the customary three points that were earned for first innings lead are no longer available. Instead, only batting and bowling points are awarded.

Summarised scores

At the Brewery: CGI Maple 379-8 v Banks.

At Bank Hall: BNB St Catherine 244. ICBL Empire 9-0.

At Beckles Road: Caribbean Lumber YMPC 251. BRC BCL 48-1.

At Weymouth 'A': Super Centre Spartan 256-8 v Police.

At Wildey: Wanderers 206. Cable & Wireless 53-2.

At Cane Garden: Guardian General Barbados Youth 193. Carib Carlton 45-2.

At Old Coleridge: Oran/Carib Bristol 104. ESA Field Pickwick 152-5.