SANTA CRUZ — St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) were 97-5 at the close on Thursday replying to Wolmer’s Boys’ 166 in the all-island Spalding Cup schoolboy cricket play-off match at STETHS Sports Complex.

Scores: Wolmer’s 166; STETHS 97-5.

After STETHS battled to lunch at 24 without loss on the second day of the three-day encounter, left-arm spinner Omari Wedderburn struck three times in the post lunch session to help pin back the hosts.

When rain forced the players off the field at approximately 3:20 pm with the tea break approaching, STETHS still required 70 runs to secure vital first-innings honours.

But just before 5:00 pm, as rain continued to drench the venue, the umpires called an end to the day’s play with over 30 overs yet to be bowled. Rain had wiped out over 60 overs on the first day.

Odane Binns, who is not out on nine, and Odel Samuels, on two, are the batsmen set to resume on Friday’s last day.

Wedderburn has taken 3-26.

Earlier on Thursday, Wolmer’s, who were 109-6 at the close on Wednesday, added a further 57 runs.

All-rounder Alex Hinds took his score to 50 before he was dismissed. The next best scores came from Nicoli McKenzie and Justin Beckford, who both made 28 on day one.

STETHS wrist spinner Javid Simpson took 3-53, while pacers Govasta Edmond (2-35) and Kevoni Graham (2-27) and spinner Marlon Powell (2-8) also grabbed multiple wickets.

– Sanjay Myers