Guyana stumble but extend lead over Leewards in U-19

BAYFIELD, Barbados,  CMC – Guyana snatched first innings points and were batting themselves into a strong position against Leeward Islands, at stumps on the penultimate day of the opening round of the WICB Under-19 three-day Championship here Sunday.

Enjoying a lead of 71 runs on first innings after dismissing the Leewards for 131, Guyana were 114 for six – an overall advantage of 185 runs at the St. Catherine Sports Club.

However, Guyana were under early pressure in their second innings at 33 for three at tea before making a recovery in the final session.

After the break, Ricardo Adams struck a run-a-ball 42 containing fours sixes and two fours before he was lbw swinging across to one from off-spinner Deno Baker.

He added 49 for the fourth-wicket with Chanderpaul Hemraj who was caught at the wicket hooking at fast-bowler Shevon Moore for 12.

The same combination had earlier accounted for Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 19 at the top of the order as Guyana stumbled early in their reply.

Kamesh Yadram was trapped lbw to Tristan Hanley for one, while Vijai Surajpaul was bowled hitting across a flighted delivery to the same bowler.

Moore finished with two for 29 while Hanley snared two for 37.

Earlier, Leeward Islands were dismissed an hour after lunch from an overnight position of 26 for four, with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai finishing with seven for 31.

Baker, who began on one, was caught off fast-bowler Romario Shepherd for eight. Shepherd, who finished with two for 32, also removed Dymon Parris by way of a catch to Hemraj. It became 51 for seven when Hanley was lbw to Motie-Kanhai.

Ashawn Hodge and Colin Archibald then staged a fine recovery to push the Leewards to 81 without further loss at lunch.

The eighth-wicket stand of 79 continued to flourish after the break as the duo took the attack to the bowlers.

Hodge, who started on two, eventually fell one short of a well, deserved half-century, caught and bowled off the leading edge, shaping to play leg-spinner Shawn Pereira to the on-side.

The right-hander’s knock came off 181 balls, with three fours in 215 minutes.  He added 79 with Archibald who was left undefeated on 40, in 135 minutes, off 130 deliveries with two boundaries.

Motie-Kanhai, who captured four wickets on day one, claimed the final two in his 29th over, to end with the superb figures.