Blackwood, Bonner give Bernard's XI solid start

Jermaine Blackwood and Nkrumah Bonner hit contrasting unbeaten half-centuries on the opening day of the two-day national trial match at Sabina Park.

The pair shared in an unbroken stand of 134 runs for the fourth wicket yesterday to push David Bernard's XI to 249-3 against Tamar Lambert's XI.

Blackwood, who batted at number five, stroked an attacking 92 not out from 129 deliveries, which included 11 fours and a six.

Nkrumah Bonner, the number four batsman, took a more subdued approach in accumulating nine boundaries in an undefeated 74 from 194 balls.

Horace Miller contributed 32.

Fastbowler Andrew Richardson took 2-34 off 11 overs, while wrist-spinner Damion Jacobs, a consistent performer in the previous trial matches, took the other wicket to fall.

The Jamaicans, who won five consecutive four-day titles before Barbados took last year's championship, begin this season on Friday against Guyana at Sabina Park in Kingston.

Play in the trial match resumes this morning at 10 o'clock.

The 13-man squad for the Guyana clash is expected to be selected this afternoon.

-- Sanjay Myers