HAYES, Jamaica, CMC – Alzarri Joseph’s attacking 97 was not enough to save Leeward Islands, as they plunged to a 23-run loss to hosts Jamaica, in the Regional Under-19 Championship here yesterday.
Chasing a challenging 268 for victory at Jamalco in the sixth round contest, the Leewards put up a great fight before they were dismissed for 244 off 47.5 overs.
Joseph was at the centre of the effort, smashing nine fours and four sixes off 95 balls in a spectacular innings at the top of the order.
He put on 82 for the fourth wicket with Cameron Pennyfeather who hit 22, and added a further 35 for the fifth with Kofi James whose 33 came from 55 balls and included three fours.
Pacer Miguel Smith claimed four for 53 while fellow seamer Odean Smith finished with three for 47.
Earlier, Leonardo Friginette top-scored with 60, Michael Frew hammered 56 and Abhijai Mansingh stroked 53 as Jamaica reached 267 for six off their 50 overs.
The Jamaicans lost Jevoy Spence for 16 with the score on 33 but Friginette and opener Mansingh put on 97 for the second wicket.
Friginiette struck six fours and two sixes off 75 deliveries while Mansingh faced 88 balls and counted five fours.
When Jamaica lost both players, Frew produced a cameo innings, lashing five fours and three sixes off 46 balls as he added a further 81 for the fourth wicket with Shahid Crooks who hit 35 from 51 balls.
