Bermuda 282-3

Combined 47

Bermuda gave the combined Belize/Bahamas/Panama team a batting lesson in the Americas Under 19 Championships at Police Field yesterday, as they routed the visitors by 235 runs.

A brilliant unbeaten century from opening batsman Dion Stovell laid the groundwork for the victory, with the result never in doubt once he and fellow opener and team captain Stephen Outerbridge put on 190 for the first wicket.

The home side were in an attacking mood from the outset, putting the rival bowlers to the sword early and often in the match, which was reduced to 32 overs a side due to afternoon rain showers.

Stovell took on the lead role, immediately taking to the Combined's offerings, pulling, cutting and driving to all corners.

No bowler was spared, with each of the six used coming in for severe punishment on a grassy pitch that looked to offer something for the pacers.

Stovell brought up his century with a single from a leg side glance, drawing applause from the small gallery on hand. His innings of 128 comprised 13 fours and two sixes, and could have escalated even higher had he not tired towards the end.

Outerbridge, meanwhile, was somewhat sedate in comparison, slamming 64 from 65 balls, with only two boundaries, before being bowled by Tyrone Bood.

Chris Foggo, batting at number four, kept up the run rate, which at times exceeded 10 an over, with a dashing 34, before he was caught at deep forward square leg by skipper Troy Rhabum, pulling a short delivery from Mykeit Anthony. Foggo and Stovell put on 68 for the third wicket.

In contrast, Combined were never allowed to settle, as the home side tightened the screws and never let up.

Pacer Mackie Crane, held to just one wicket during the opening contest against Cayman Islands, produced a fiery opening burst to start Combined on the road to destruction, claiming four of the first five wickets to tumble. Crane, seemingly refusing help from his team-mates, shattered the stumps of three victims and caught and bowled the other victim while returning figures of four for 20 from seven overs.

The strapping youngster was ably assisted by Shane Hollis, who was most miserly in his showing, taking three for two from five overs, while Jacobi Robinson had two for 11.

However, while happy with the result, coach Andre Manders was wary of the path that lies ahead.

"Looking at the opposition, and this being their first year in the tournament, they didn't have that much in terms of bowling, but in the next few days we'll get a real test, against USA, Canada, and even Argentina," said Manders. "We have to improve on our fielding, as well as things like bowling wides and our running between the wicket.

"We'll be stressing the need to avoid complacency in the team meeting, because it's easy to get overconfident. So while today's was a good result, we'll be telling them that the harder teams are still to come."

Still, the coach could not help but praise his batsmen, who took full advantage of the offerings given and never released the throttle once on top.

"Today's performance I would rate as being an eight out of 10," said Manders. "Dion batted well and Stephen did his job, staying there to support him. At the end he (Stovell) started getting tired, but he batted well.

"It was a good performance, even with Chris (Foggo) coming in and O.J. (Pitcher). So it was a good team performance overall."

Of concern though was the fielding, particularly the extras given away, with Manders noting how this area would have to be addressed if Bermuda are to win the tournament and automatically qualify for the Youth World Cup.