By Brandon Corlette
Kemol Savory was the unlikely man to rescue Guyana Harpy Eagles in round six of the ongoing West Indies championship.
The Guyanese were in a perilous position at 61-6 against Jamaica Scorpions on day one at Sabina Park.
The 27-year-old Savory, who is regarded as the Prince of Essequibo among his peers, came into this match with only 128 runs in seven innings.
Savory, who entered the battlefield with Guyana on 42-4 on day one, ended day two with 155, his career best, and only his second score more than 25 this season. The classy left-hander struck 16 fours and three sixes.
After the opening day at stumps, Savory said he returned home during the two-week Easter break and spent time with his family. He reflected on what went wrong during the five rounds, where he was struggling with bat.
“It is always amazing scoring a hundred when your team is under pressure,” the left-handed wicket-keeper/batter said.
Savory slammed his career-best in the presence of West Indies Lead Selector, Dr Desmond Haynes.
“I just wanted to put up my hands and let my performance speak,” Savory told Sportsmax.
Savory credited Gudakesh Motie, who scored a half-century in the 127-run seventh wicket stand. He revealed that Motie was calm and had self belief.
After the Motie-Savory revival, captain Tevin Imlach returned to the crease after he retired hurt, and further bat Guyana to safety.
Imlach also scored a century, his second in succession and third First-Class hundred. Captain Imlach ensured Guyana posted 424 in their first innings with his unbeaten 101.
With Imlach unable to keep wickets due to injury, Savory has impressed, displaying skill and speed behind the stumps.
With one round remaining after this match, Savory will be aiming to end on a high and full his boots with runs against Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC).