Front runners B/dos, W/wards in keen tussle

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts, CMC – Front runners Windward Islands and Barbados were locked in a keen tussle at stumps on the opening day  yesterday of the third round of matches in the WICB under-15 Championship here.

Barbados were leading the Windward’s by 52 runs at the Conaree Sports Complex with eight second innings wickets intact as both teams attempt to extend their lead following victories in the first and second rounds of competition.

The young Bajans are 70 for the loss of Deswin Currency for 43 and Daniel Chesham 19 in their second innings following a closely fought first innings.

Exciting half centuries from Christian Challery, 63, and Anil Matthew, 62, lifted the Windward’s to 189 for seven to surpass the Barbados first innings total of 171 for six. Challery was also outstanding with the ball grabbing 3 Barbadian first innings wickets for 60 runs. Barbados’s second innings were built on top scores of 37 each from Brian Chesham and Nicholas Kirton while Dominic Drakes was undefeated on 28 and Shamari Springer added 24 runs and picked up three first innings wickets for 43 runs. Over at the Edgar Gilbert Complex, defending champions Jamaica, chasing their first win, will be looking to extend first innings lead against Trinidad and Tobago.

The Jamaicans, who are 63 for four in their second innings, are currently leading the Trinidadians by 23 runs with six wickets in hand.

Demali Taylor is 31 not out.

Trinidad posted a first innings total of  148  for six in 34 overs in reply to Jamaica’s 108 for eight in 34 overs. Meantime, Guyana lead the Leeward Islands by 69 runs with eight wickets standing at stumps on the first day of their third round fixture at Warner Park. Impressive bowling from Jaudel Richardson four wickets for nine runs and Karima Gore three for 35 restricted Guyana to 131 for nine in their first innings.

Richardson followed up his bowling with a top innings of 36 to propel Leeward’s to 133 for five in reply. Guyana, in their second innings, were 71 for one in 27 overs.

Third round matches in the WICB under 15 Competition enter their second and final day today.