MELBOURNE, on a high after an impressive ten-wicket win over Cornwall at home last week, travel to Port Esquivel to face Middlesex in the third round of the Jamaica County Cricket Championship today.
Surrey A host Lucas at Chedwin Park and Cornwall are at home to Surrey B at Jarrett Park.
The Derrymore Road team on nine points from two games, should start firm favourites to at least gain first innings points over their rivals.
Last week the allround efforts of Marlon Samuels guided the Rothman's All-island champions to maximum points.
Samuels had a match haul of eight for 75 and compiled a graceful 63, to set up the win.
His contribution is once again going to be crucial to the team's performance. Brother and captain, Robert, along with veteran colin Fletcher and allrounder Ray Stewart who also scored a half century last week, are all expected to figure prominently in Melbourne's batting.
Stewart, along with Guyanese pacer Colin Stuart, who has bowled well since arriving for the champions--and spinners, Samuels and Dwayne Cooper, are the bowlers who should restrict Middlesex.
Middlesex with only two points, from their two outings, lost first innings ponts to Surrey A at Chedwin Park and desperately need at least first innings points to begin a resurgence in the five-round competition.
The hard-hitting Ricardo Powell, Howard Harris, Glenmore Hall and Martina Mills have not yet clicked but are always dangerous. If they hit top form, this two-day affair could be very interesting.
Lucas, also on two points, have not been playing very well since the start of the competition, and despite the presence of Delroy Morgan, Andre Coley, Kevin Riley and Kevin Peart, they should have an uphill task against Surrey A who boast the talents of the inform Tamar Lambert and Keith Hibbert and bowlers Audley Sanson and Warren Medwynter.
Surrey B, with four points are favoured to get the better of bottom-placed Cornwall in the other game at Jarrett Park.
