Eltham High's Shacoya Thomas cuts for runs on the way to scoring 98 in the Grace Shield schoolboys cricket final against Jamaica College at Melbourne Oval yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

National Under-19 player Shacoya Thomas fell two runs short of a century, but his team and defending champions Eltham held the upper hand against Jamaica College (JC) entering today's second day of their three-day Grace Shield Premier League final at Melbourne Oval.

Replying toEltham's 192, JC will resume on 56 for five when play restarts at 10:00 this morning.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Eltham slipped to 52 for three before Thomas, who hit 98 and Romeo Duncan, 31, added 50 for the fourth wicket.

Matthew Stewart then joined Thomas, who hit six fours in his innings, and the pair put on 80 for the fifth wicket, before they began to crumble.

Carlyle Moxam and Godfrey Laing took four for 52 and four for 35 respectively, while Lushane South picked up two for 28.

In reply, JC lost their way towards the close of play, losing Oliver Walker, 36, Gavin Jackson, two, Adrian Morris, six, Marc Robinson, zero and Mardio Grandston, three.

Frederick Hermitt with three for 30 and Sandre Watson one for 20 have taken the wickets so far.

Eltham coach pleased

Oral Simpson, coach of Eltham, said he is pleased with the team's position after the opening day because his bowlers backed up the batsmen.

"I am disappointed with the batting performance but despite that we bowled well," he said.

David Robertson of JC believes his boys are still in the game.

"I am not happy with the batsmen but we are far from giving up, we still have capable batsmen," he said.

The final is a two-innings game but will be decided on first innings if both teams are not dismmissed within the three days.