BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Champions Antigua and Barbuda came from behind to beat St Kitts by seven wickets and start the defence of their Leeward Islands Cricket Association title in style here Sunday.
Trailing by 26 runs on first innings after being dismissed for 236, the visitors turned in a strong performance to send St Kitts tumbling for 82 in their second innings at Warner Park.
Shane Jeffers top-scored with 22 while Jacques Taylor got 21.
Out-of-favour West Indies leg-spinner Anthony Martin was the main wrecker with four wickets for five runs to end with match figures of nine for 65, while medium pacer Chad Hampson snared three for 14.
Set 109 for victory, Antigua reached their target for the loss of three wickets off 26.1 overs with Mali Richards, the son of legendary West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards, top-scoring with 43.
Orlando Peters stroked an unbeaten 33 while Austin Richards scored 23.
Jeffers finished with two for 24.
At the Elquemedo Willett Park in Charlestown, Nevis also started their campaign positively, crushing Montserrat by 127 runs.
After piling up 328 in their first innings, Montserrat were dismissed for 213 despite a handsome 105 from Deno Baker.
Young fast bowler Nelson Bolan finished with four for 43 while Trevier Smithen (2-34) and Adelvin Phillip (2-36) claimed two wickets apiece.
Batting a second time, Nevis declared at 188 for eight after Phillip had stroked 51 and Jason Campbell 33.
Set 304 for victory, Montserrat were bundled out for 187 with Quinton Boatswain top-scoring with 71, Macpherson Meade getting 34 while Tevin Osbourne scored 22 and Akeem Meade, 20.
For Nevis, left-arm spinner Jason Campbell claimed three for 14 while Boland (2-30) and Akito Willet (2-44) gave support.
