Trinidad and Tobago Red Force solidified their dominant position against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on day two of their day/night West Indies Championship contest, as they opened up a commanding 263-run lead at Arnos Vale on Thursday.
Resuming on 137-1 in response to the Volcanoes' modest first-innings total of 166, the Red Force flexed their batting muscle to pile up 429-7 at stumps. Cephas Cooper, who started the day on 69, converted his overnight score into a well-crafted 117, while Jason Mohammed, in imperious form, stroked his second consecutive century with a composed 103.
At the close, Yannic Cariah remained unbeaten on 84, alongside Anderson Phillip, who was on seven, both looking to extend the Red Force's advantage even further on Friday’s third day.
As expected, the Red Force capitalized on their solid platform, with Cooper and Amir Jangoo extending their second-wicket stand to 170. Jangoo, who resumed on 60, played fluently before edging behind off Gilon Tyson for 84.
Despite that breakthrough, the Volcanoes found little respite as Cooper continued his elegant stroke play, as he found the boundary 12 times and cleared it once in his innings. He shared a valuable 76-run stand with Mohammed before falling to a straight delivery from Shadrack Descarte.
Captain Joshua Da Silva’s stay at the crease was brief, as he lasted only seven deliveries before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Kavem Hodge without scoring, with the Red Force at 258-4. However, any hopes of a Volcanoes resurgence were quickly snuffed out as Mohammed and Cariah stitched together a crucial 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Mohammed, having reached his century, eventually fell as Descarte picked up his second wicket. Darel Cyrus then struck twice in quick succession, removing Joshua James (12) and Khary Pierre (two), as the Red Force slipped to 404-7.
Despite the late wickets, Cariah remained resolute, ensuring that Red Force kept control heading into day three, with further runs on offer and a dominant position secured.