Guyana, Leeward Islands play to draw

-no result on first innings

Despite a five wicket haul from spinner Anthony Martin and a pugnacious 87 from Runako Morton, the 10th round rain-interrupted West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) sponsored regional four-day match between Guyana and the Leeward Islands meandered out into a draw with not even a result on first innings.

Playing at the Albion Sports Club ground in Berbice, Guyana, resuming on 254-5, were bowled out for 341 three minutes after lunch while the Leeward Islands were 206-4 when play was called off at two minutes past five.

Martin picked up his third five wicket haul at this level, ending with 5-79.

Leeward Islands began their reply at approximately 10 minutes past one and raced to 73 without loss at tea, with openers Keiron Powell and Montcin Hodge on 30 and 28 respectively.

Guyana should have removed Hodge early in the Leeward Island’s innings, but Fudadin at gully floored an easy offer from fast bowler Brandon Bess when the batsman was on four.

Powell was bowled by Jacobs after he got an inside edge onto his pads from a delivery which kept low in the third over after the tea break.

He made 36 and faced 73 deliveries, hitting seven fours.

Morton, who had replaced Powell, struck both Jacobs and Veerasammy Permaul over long off for sixes, while Hodge drove Permaul through extra cover for four, which pushed the score to 135-1.

Morton reached his third half century this season, when he struck Jacobs for four, but Hodge failed to get his third, as he was caught by wicketkeeper Derwin Christian off Sewnarine Chattergoon for 48 (8×4), at 151-2.

Morton took 73 balls to reach his half century, hitting three fours and two sixes.

He celebrated reaching the mark by hitting Permaul back over his head for his third six of his innings.

When the final hour’s play began at 16:45hrs, the Leeward Islands were 179-3 having lost the wicket of Cadville Rogers (01).

Morton was unbeaten on 75 and Tonito Willet not out on four.

Morton failed to get his second century of the season as he was caught by Permaul at mid on off Jacobs for 85 at 206-4, leaving Willet unbeaten on 21 (3×4).

Morton struck five fours and three sixes from 121 balls and, at his dismissal, both captains decided to call it a day with 10 of the mandatory 15 overs in the final hour remaining.

Jacobs ended with 2-63 for Guyana who will journey over to the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago to face the home team next weekend.

Guyana are on 24 points and the Leeward Islands 47.