THE NTCA second grade cricket grand final between Riverside and George Town was evenly-poised after rain yesterday afternoon forced the abandonment of play on day 1 at the NTCA No.2 Ground.
The Saints won the toss and sent the Blues in to bat first and gained an early reward removing openers Peter New (8) and Justin Firth (6), to have Riverside 2-33.
When Alex Gibbins was run out shortly after they were in trouble at 3-43, but Sam Hay then began his rescue mission to turn the innings around with a great knock of 89 not out.
He combined in partnerships with Beau Hills (16) and Owen Firth (16 not out) to steer the Blues to 4-149, when play was halted by rain after 39 overs.
Hay scored his runs off 109 balls with 13 boundaries.
George Town's best bowler was Adam Davie who claimed 2-65, off 17 overs and Liam Musselwhite took 1-26.
"It was typical of the No.2 Ground with the ball seaming around in the early part of the day with the new ball and George Town bowled well to create some chances," Riverside coach Darren Simmonds said.
"We were 3-30 and then 4-70 but then Sam Hay batted very well to put on a good partnership with Owen Firth to steady the ship.
"Sam played very well and it was an important partnership in the context of the game at that particular time.
"We have a full 96 overs to play tomorrow and the game is probably evenly-placed at the moment because this is a high-scoring ground and there is a fair bit of cricket to be played."
The match continues this morning with George Town needing to beat Riverside to claim the premiership.