FAST bowler Franchat Clarke claimed a five-wicket haul to give Transport Sports Club first-day advantage over the University of Guyana yesterday, when play in the Georgetown Cricket Club-sponsored Gise/Star Party Rentals/Trophy Stall first division two-day tournament continued at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Clarke ended with figures of 5-55, and was the chief destroyer, as UG were bowled out for 232.

At the start of the day’s play the University of Guyana’s bizarre decision to bat first on a moist track backfired as TSC seized early momentum.

After a combination of good bowling upfront by TSC pacers and some injudicious shot-making by UG’s top four batsmen, they were at one stage, 55-4.

They, however, recovered through a fifth-wicket stand of 95 between Landen Austen and Ershaad Ali.

Keon Morris removed both openers Melrose Stephenson (10) and Dwayne Dodson (0) while Clarke claimed the wickets of Godfrey Matthews (2) and Omesh Donram (34).

Austen and Ali then staged a perfect recovery act, mixing caution with some attacking stroke play.

However, when Austen, after hitting five fours and a six, was dismissed for 74, Ali and Darren Douglas (24) added 52 for the sixth-wicket; but when that partnership was broken, the innings came to a rapid close.

Ali stroked five fours and two sixes, while Lloyd George (16) was the other batsman to reach double figures. Morris had 2-47 and Kevin Ross 2-33.

In reply, TSC reached 49-1 at the close with Adrian Hinds on 29 and Shemar Yearwood on six. Mark Ramsammy, the batsman dismissed, made nine.