EXCELSIOR High gained a 29-run first-innings lead against Wolmer’s Boys’ in the 2022 Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Grace Shield cricket final at Melbourne Oval on Friday.

Heading into today’s final day of the three-day encounter, Wolmer’s Boys’, who had made 73 in their first innings, were reeling at 65-6 in the second, giving them a lead of 36 runs with four wickets remaining.

Scores: Wolmer’s 73 & 65-6; Excelsior 102.

The defending champions Excelsior, who resumed Friday morning from their overnight score of 27-2, were never given easy batting opportunities and were bowled out for 102.

Opener Malique McKenzie hit an unbeaten knock of 55, while Captain Brandon English made 15.

The pick of the Wolmer’s bowlers was slow left-arm orthodox bowler Alex Hinds, who captured 7-39 runs off 13 overs.

Wolmer’s, batting a second time, again struggled to get on top of Excelsior’s bowling attack and lost wickets cheaply as the game progressed.

Only Corey Hinds (25), Brian-Charles Largie, on 11 not out, and Jordan Johnson, who was dismissed for 11, reached double figures before a heavy downpour stopped play shorly after 2:00 pm.

Afternoon rain had also curtailed play on Thursday’s opening day.

— Gerald Reid