Pagon's party! - Right-hander’s ton puts Ja in driver’s seat

BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter

Friday, February 17, 2012

DONOVAN Pagon struck his fourth first-class century to lead defending champions Jamaica to 220-3 on a painstaking opening day of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) four-day match against strugglers Leeward Islands at Sabina Park.

Scores: Jamaica 220-3 (104 overs)

The 29-year-old Pagon batted stubbornly for 269 deliveries yesterday and has so far made 106 not out, including 10 fours and three sixes.

The usually elegant right-hander who has played two Test matches for the West Indies team benefited from two missed opportunities in the field by the Leewards team.

He was dropped on nought by Jason Campbell at mid-on off the spin bowling of Justin Athanaze and again on 68, by Kieran Powell at cover off wrist-spinner Anthony Martin.

Despite the blips, Pagon showed strong resolve and tucked left-arm orthodox spinner Jason Campbell for two to short fine leg to reach the milestone.

Earlier, the Leeward Islands were undermined by the absence of out-of-favour West Indies pacer Gavin Tonge from the starting XI. According to coach Stuart Williams, Tonge suffered from a stomach illness before the start of play and had to be left out.

The visitors were, however, off to a decent start when tall seamer Nelson Bolan had opener Simon Jackson (3) caught and bowled after the left-hander clipped a full ball onto his pad to leave the Jamaicans at 9-1.

Fellow opener Danza Hyatt made 26 before off-spinner Athanaze had him caught by Martin at short fine leg attempting a sweep shot.

Pagon and Brendan Nash then added 97 for the third wicket before the latter lost patience and chased a wide delivery from medium-pacer Tonito Willett and was caught by wicketkeeper Devon Thomas.

Captain Tamar Lambert joined Pagon and the pair shared in an unbroken stand of 75 on a batting pitch that had a spattering of grass that belied its placid nature.

The fast bowlers were offered little after the shine went off the new ball, and though the odd delivery turned sharply from the spinners, generally they too were left to toil without much success during an arduous day of stodgy cricket that matched a fast over-rate with a less than desirable run-rate.

After not playing for his country during the previous domestic season and not converting starts to big scores in the two earlier matches this year, Pagon expressed delight at reaching triple figures.

"I'm very elated because I was out of the squad last season and coming back and showing some good form. In the first two games I didn't capitalise on the starts that I got. Fortunately, I got some chances today and I made them count and made a hundred," he said.

The Melbourne CC batsman spent almost the entire day's play in the middle as the Leewards' employed tactics that he felt were meant to frustrate the Jamaican batsmen.

"The pitch was okay, but the Leeward Islands pace bowlers bowled a bit too wide and that forced us to leave alone the ball. We didn't want to chase them and then get out to stupid shots," Pagon said.

Williams was generally satisfied with his team's approach and felt with some luck they could have ended the day in an even better position.

"I really think we stuck to the task and Jamaica didn't really get away. We could have had three or four more wickets and it would have looked a little better... the game is still in the balance because it didn't get away from us.

"I don't think we bowled wide or defensive. I think we played to a plan and the guys stuck to their task. Well played to Pagon, but we created one or two chances as well," Williams said.

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Pagon's party! - Right-hander’s ton puts Ja in driver’s seat