Guyana Harpy Eagles are circling a decisive victory as they tightened their stranglehold on Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their pivotal seventh-round West Indies Championship clash at Queen’s Park Oval on Friday.

The reigning champions, who began day three at 269-5 in reply to Red Force’s modest 240, built a commanding total of 463 to stretch their lead to a daunting 223 runs. By stumps, the Red Force had limped to 101-2 in their second innings—still 122 runs away from forcing the Eagles to bat again.

With just eight wickets standing between them and a potentially title-defining win, the Harpy Eagles head into Saturday’s final day firmly in control, with the hosts’ middle and lower order set for a stern test.

Scores: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 240 & 101-2; Guyana Harpy Eagles 463

The day belonged to the Harpy Eagles, whose lower order turned the screws with grit and purpose. Kevin Sinclair, who resumed on 21, added 14 to his overnight score, as he and Keemo Paul extended their overnight stand before Jyd Goolie struck the initial blow, having Sinclair caught behind.

Paul, who briefly retired hurt shortly after Sinclair’s departure, returned to the middle with renewed focus. Unleashing a flurry of strokes—10 fours and a six—he spearheaded a game-changing partnership with Veerasammy Permaul, frustrating the Red Force bowlers and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Paul eventually fell for 93, just shy of a deserved century, as he was caught off Khary Pierre after a 126-ball gem. But Permaul remained unbeaten on 52 off 94 balls as he guided the tail and ensured the Harpy Eagles had more than enough cushion heading into the Red Force’s second innings.

Ashmead Nedd chipped in with a lively 22, but it was Permaul’s resolve that gave the Harpy Eagles the final push. Pierre led the Red Force attack with 4-119, while Goolie (2-29) and Joshua James (2-78) provided some resistance.

Chasing a steep deficit, the Red Force’s reply began on shaky ground when Kamil Pooran was dismissed for seven with just 14 runs on the board, caught behind off Ronaldo Alimohamed.

But Amir Jangoo stepped up with a fighting 50 off 96 balls, laced with 10 elegant boundaries. He shared a promising 77-run second-wicket stand with Cephas Cooper, as they offered a glimmer of hope.

However, just as Jangoo looked set to push deeper, Sinclair struck to remove him with another edge behind the stumps. The Red Force then held on through the final overs, with Cooper unbeaten on 26 and Bryan Charles on one, but the clock is ticking on a rear-guard effort.