A timely knock of 62 not out by former national Under-15 and Under-17 captain Donovan Nelson has put two-time defending champions STETHS in a strong position against Port Antonio High in the final of the rural area ISSA Grace Headley Cup currently under way at Chedwin Park, St Catherine.

Nelson, who is a leg-spinner, but as demonstrated by his innings yesterday, is an equally efficient runs scorer, batted for nearly fours hours as STETHS, after being in a less-than ideal position of 177-8, posted a challenging 280 in their first innings of the three-day affair.

Port Antonio, who are contesting their first final, then closed the day on 15 without loss when stumps were drawn with Newell not out on 6 and Tamar Ming also not out.

A good score

Nelson, a left-handed batsman who plays well on both sides of the wicket, as evidenced by his four boundaries, was best supported by number-10 batsman Nicholson Gordon, who scored the second highest number of runs, with 57.

Number-three batsman and national Under-19 wicketkeeper Maverick Perry made 56. Bowling for Port Antonio, off-spinner and captain Horace Grossett claimed 6-107, while left-arm spinner and national Under-19 invitee Atoy Newell grabbed 2-79.

"It has so far been a good day of cricket, a bit up and down, but in the end, thanks to Nelson and Gordon, we were able to post a good score," said Clive Ledgister, coach of STETHS.

Ledgister and his charges are seeking a third consecutive and 22nd hold on the title.

In the meanwhile, Carl Brissett, coach of Port Antonio, said he was in no mood to talk, pointing to today's second day, a key juncture of the match.

"I don't have any take on the day's play. The score is what it is. We will just have to wait and see what will happen tomorrow (today). These are schoolboys. They can be very bad and be very good. We have the ability to do it and will be giving it our best shot as first innings could decide the match," he said.