Four-Day: Imlach (82), Nandu (58) lead Harpy Eagles to opening win over Volcanoes

Led by dogged half-centuries from skipper Tevin Imlach and his deputy Matthew Nandu, Guyana Harpy Eagles commenced their Regional Four-Day title defence with a four-wicket win over Windward Islands Volcanoes on Wednesday in Antigua.

Set a target of 232 in the opening round of the West Indies Four-Day Championship, Harpy Eagles, resuming on 38-1, got home in 78.4 overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.

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The backbone of the successful run-chase was a second wicket stand of 134 between Imlach and Nandu.

Imlach scored a fluent 82 from 147 balls, hitting 11 fours in his ninth First-Class fifty and passing 2,000 runs in the process. Nandu dropped anchor, his 58 coming off 182 balls and including six fours.

It was Nandu’s fifth First-Class half-century.

After the dismissal of Imlach and Nandu, Keemo Paul (17), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (17), Kemol Savory (24) and Gudakesh Motie (23*) chipped in to seal the win for the defending champions.

Motie hastened the end with three fours and six in his 13-ball knock, to accompany his 19 in the first innings.

With the ball, the left-arm spinner was outstanding, claiming 6-73 in the first innings and 4-46 in the second to crown a memorable game.

Bowling for Volcanoes, Ryan John and Kenneth Dember picked up two wickets each.

Final scores in the game: Volcanoes 286 and 209, Harpy Eagles 264 and 233-6.

The two teams face off in round two of the championship from Sunday, April 19, at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s.