Defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) powered by captain Ramaal Lewis’ all-round effort, hold the upper hand in their ISSA/Grace Headley Cup semi-final against Vere Technical in Santa Cruz.

Vere, after winning the toss and electing to bat yesterday, were in early trouble at 20-2 and lost wickets steadily to be bowled out for 98.

Ryan Burnett, who made 24, and Andre Rowe (22) were the chief run scorers for Clarendon-based Vere.

Shahid Crooks with 4-34 from eight overs took most wickets for STETHS. He was backed by Lewis, who took 3-34.

At the close of play, STETHS were 301-9 with Peter Brown not out on eight. Tajae White is the other batsman set to join Brown at the crease.

STETHS owed their commanding total to Lewis’ knock of 104.

He rode his luck well as he was dropped on two and should have been run out on 95.

Lewis had good support from Shahid Crooks (59) and Michael Frew (34).

Ryan Burnett has so far taken 6-95 from 24 overs for Vere with Lasana Turner assisting with 2-67.

When play resumes today, Vere will have a mountain to climb to prevent the defending champions from making it to yet another schoolboy cricket final.

— Ainsley Clarke

LEWIS… had a good all-round performance with 3-34 and 104.

(PHOTO: AINSLEY CLARKE)