HEAVY afternoon showers brought a premature end to opening day of the 2022 Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Grace Shield three-day cricket final between defending champions Excelsior High and Wolmer’s Boys’ at Melbourne Oval on Thursday.

When the umpires called off play at 5:00 pm — rain had interrupted action shortly after 2:00 pm — Excelsior were 27-2 in reply to Wolmer’s Boys’ 73 all out.

The contest is scheduled to resume this morning with Excelsior’s Malique McKenzie on 16 not out and Captain Brandon English on six.

Scores: Wolmer’s 73; Excelsior 27-2.

Earlier on Thursday, Wolmer’s at one stage were reeling at 25-4 before crumbling for a paltry total. Only three batsmen got into double figures — Brian-Charles Largie got 22 while Corey Hinds and Matthew Aljoe added 13 and 11, respectively.

Kavel Reid was the leading bowler for Excelsior with 4-6 while English took 3-12.

When Excelsior replied they lost two early wickets as Wolmer’s Alex Hinds struck twice before McKenzie and English steadied the boat until rain forced the players off for the day.

– Gerald Reid