Last season beaten finalists Innswood High have set themselves nicely to force an outright win after outclassing Excelsior High on day one of their opening semi-final round game of the ISSA/Grace Shield at Chedwin Park yesterday.

The Kirk Gordon-coached Innswood have a lead of 152 as they secured first-innings honours after bowling out Excelsior for 160 early into the second session of the day’s play.

Three half centuries from opener Peat Salmon (72), captain Oraine Williams (68) and Kemar Foster (53) placed the hosts in total command before a mini collapse saw them being dismissed for 312 off the day’s penultimate ball.

National youth player Ramon Senior finished with top figures of five for 75 from 17.5 overs, while Ashan Plummer took two for 41 from 12 overs.

But the day belonged to Innswood after Salmon, who in his attacking 41-ball knock, slammed seven fours and four sixes, and Williams (7x4s, 1×6) posted a century stand of 103 for the first wicket. Williams was then joined by Foster and the pair added 89 for the second wicket.

Earlier, an aggressive 72 from 90 balls from opener Anthony Wadsworth spared Excelsior greater embarrassment as the right-hander was the mainstay through much of his side’s innings.

Inserted to bat first, Wadsworth dominated an opening stand of 57 with Odane Hartley (20) before the towering left-arm fastbowler Andre Cohen (1-23) and pacer partner Mikhail Powell (3-37) stymied their progression.

Fifty-seven for one quickly became 70 for three and by lunch the visitors were reeling at 120 for eight.

Powell was chief instigator in orchestrating Excelsior’s demise, removing the dangerous Senior, who made four.

Leg-spin bowler Jermaine Bennett (4-37) then joined the action, while at the other end Wadsworth fought fire with fire, belting 10 fours and a six in a 138-minute occupation at the crease.

Rearguard action from Plummer (22 not out) delayed the inevitable for Excelsior before they were shut out after adding 40 more runs after the luncheon interval.

— Andrew Hancel