Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Kensington legspinner Akeem Dewar (right) and wicketkeeper Ranville Brown celebrate after taking the wicket of Hanover opener Damion Davidson on the first day of the Jamaica Cricket Association Senior Cup final, yesterday, at Sabina Park, Kingston.

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Kensington hold the upper hand against Hanover heading into today's second and final day of the two-day Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Senior Cup final at Sabina Park.

Sent to field after losing the toss Kensington restricted Hanover to 197, and in reply were 94-2 when stumps were drawn.

Leg-spinner Akeem Dewar, 5-59, and Dennis Bulli, 2-64, led the way for the men from Preston Road, while opener Aldane Samuels, 78, and Sean Bennett, 24, made most runs for Hanover.

Solid opening

In what was expected to be a close contest, Hanover began the day well, thanks to a solid opening stand of 102 from Samuels and opening partner Damion Davidson, 21.

But that was the only bright spark for them on what was an otherwise dim day, as soon as Davidson departed they suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing their next five batsmen for 22 runs to be at 124-6.

This was due partly to some fine bowling from Kingston College's Dewar, who, bowling with vociferous bounce and turn, had the Hanover top order prodding and dancing, and Bulli, who, bowling with flight and variation, was difficult to score against.

Run chase

Set a modest first innings total - which is expected to decide the final - Kensington then approached the run chase with finesse, as thanks to 59 from Horace Miller and 25 from Ranville Brown they were able to post an opening stand of 66, and consolidate their position by losing only two wickets.

Rasheed Outar six, and Gerald Laing five will resume batting today for David Bernard Sr-coached Kensington, who are hoping to win the contest and secure an automatic berth to the 2009 semi-pro league.

The losers will play the seventh place finisher in this year's Jamaica Super Cup for the next available semi-pro league berth next weekend.

Play resumes today at 10 a.m.