HALF-CENTURIES from Danille Ricketts, captain Gary Graham and Donovan Sinclair led defending champions Manchester Lions to an imposing 344 all out on the first day of their Jamaican Super Cricket League clash with Melbourne Kangaroos at Derrymore Road yesterday.

In reply, Melbourne, revived by an unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 58 between Donavan Pagon and Andre McCarthy, were 135-4 at the close. Pagon is not out on 45, while McCarthy batted positively to be on 41.

Both teams, along with St Catherine Saints, are engaged in a last-ditch battle to win the 2010 title. Melbourne lead with 23 points, while the Lions are poised on 22. St Catherine are a point back on 21.

So far for Manchester, left-arm spinner David Merchant has taken 2-54 from 17 overs, including the prized scalp of Marlon Samuels, while Stephon Patterson and Jamie Merchant have taken a wicket each.

Earlier, the visiting team benefited from an attacking second-wicket stand of 77 between Ricketts and Graham before the former was dismissed for 71. By then he had struck six fours and four sixes from 65 balls.

Graham made a solid 63 from 102 balls, while Donovan Sinclair, who batted at No 8, clobbered a run-a-ball 61. Middle-order batsman Courtney Allen chipped in with 40.

Bowling for Melbourne, Dwayne Thompson took 4-64 off nine overs, while Christopher Lamont took 3-64 off 18 overs and one ball. Damion Jacobs chipped in with two wickets.

At Little London, the Saints are set to take first-innings from Westmoreland Wizards after dismissing them for 203 and reaching 122-4.

At Sabina Park, Kingston Tigers and St Elizabeth Warriors are in a tight battle for first-innings honours. After dismissing the home team for 205, the Warriors stuttered to 157-6.

The game between Trelawny Buccaneers and St Ann Cutters has been postponed due to the unavailability of the Multi-Purpose Stadium. An investigation is pending, but the Sunday Observer understands that due to time constraints, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) may decide not to set a rescheduled date.