Seasoned campaigner Jason Mohammed and the youthful Tion Webster both struck half-centuries to earn Trinidad and Tobago Red Force a draw on the final day of their opening round match against Windward Islands Volcanoes Friday.
Set an improbable target of 354 after Volcanoes declared their second innings on 425 for five, Red Force plunged to 93 for four in the second session before Mohammed struck an unbeaten 79 and Webster, 58, to rescue the innings.
In the end, Red Force held on to finish on 225 for seven, fast bowling Ryan John claiming three for 27 to end with match figures of eight for 45.
Resuming the morning at the Grenada National Stadium in a commanding position on 397 for three, Volcanoes declared after Sunil Ambris (55 not out) and captain Alick Athanaze (51) completed their half-centuries. Ambris, unbeaten on 42 overnight, struck three fours and a six off 50 balls to notch his second fifty of the game while Athanaze, resuming the day on 49, counted four fours in a 95-ball innings.
With survival the key for Red Force, the visitors lost Uthman Muhammad cheaply for four in the second over when he gloved a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott off seamer Darius Martin.
And even though left-handers Darren Bravo (23) and Jeremy Solozano (22) patched up the innings in a 43-run, second wicket stand, they were eventually among three wickets to fall for 44 runs.
With Volcanoes on top, Mohammed and Webster wrested back control of the game in an invaluable 98-run fifth wicket stand which steered Red Force to tea without further loss at 142 for four.
Mohammed, 36, faced 201 balls in a compact knock and struck five fours while the 27-year-old Webster counted five fours and two sixes in a breezy 63-ball innings.
When Webster slashed at a wide one from John and nicked behind, his dismissal sparked a slide which saw three wickets tumble for 25 runs but Mohammed held firm in partnership with Khary Pierre (four not out).
-CMC
