By Neto Baptiste
Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Antigua Barbuda all-rounder, Kofi James, are hoping to build on his maiden first-class century in the ongoing CWI Four Day Championships following his first innings knock of 107 in their six-wicket loss to the Windward Islands Volcanoes in Trinidad.
“It’s always a great feeling to get your first century for any team, but at this level in terms of professionally, it felt really good. I batted well and I think it was a patient innings, and I think it was well-deserved. It was a bit difficult in terms of patience, sticking to the plan, staying focused on the objectives in terms of the small targets in front of you, but at the same time it wasn’t too hard because I was up to the task and I made up my mind I was going to bat a lot of balls, so I just enjoyed batting,” he said.
James struck 10 fours and one maximum in the 248 balls he faced for his 107, partnering with fellow Antiguan Karima Gore who made 93 off 198 deliveries to see Hurricanes to 382 for nine declared in their first innings. Kieran Powell made 75 from 105 deliveries while Jeremiah Louis chipped in with 45.
James picked up one wicket in the contest for 60 runs in 12 overs.
The Liberta Blackhawks player said he is happy with his performance with the ball to date.
“The bowling is up to par to be honest. I just need to get some angles correct when I am setting the field in terms of being a little more proactive and sticking to the plan a little bit more. In terms of skill work, I think the skill is there, but I just need to be consistent and work with a specific plan at this particular level and the bowling will come through,” the player said.
Meanwhile Gore, also a Blackhawks player, is buoyed by his performance despite falling just seven runs shy of a maiden first-class century.
“A start like that builds confidence so I am looking forward to what’s going to come in the next game or the next few games,” he said.
Gore hit 13 fours and one six in his first innings knock of 93.
Volcanoes, led by Kavem Hodge (137) and Alick Athanaze (128), posted 353 all out in their first innings reply. Rahkeem Cornwall (4/109) and Jeramiah Louis 4/46) were the pick of the bowlers for the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes were then bowled out for just 144 in their second innings with Preston McSween (5/39) picking up a five-for. Montcin Hodge made 59.
Volcanoes then got to 174 for six on Saturday’s day four to win the contest. Sunil Ambris top scored with 40.