BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Defending champions Jamaica predictably went down to Barbados but Windward Islands pulled off the shock of the opening round of the West Indies Cricket Board Under-15 Championship when they trounced Guyana here yesterday.
Playing on the final day of the two-day contest at Conaree Sports Complex, the Windwards produced a magnificent effort after being set 195 to win, finishing on 200 for eight.
Resuming the day on 80 for five in their second innings, Guyana declared on 91 for six, a lead of 194 runs.
However, opener Anil Matthew top-scored with 65 while Ryan John (25), Jurani Baptiste (23) and Darel Cyrus, 20 not out, all chipped in to see the Windwards to their target.
They were cruising at one stage at 121 for three before they lost three wickets for 18 runs to tumble to 139 for six and open the door for a possible Guyana victory.
However, two key partnerships put the Windwards over the line. John and Johnnel Eugene (12) added 35 for the seventh wicket before John and Cyrus put on another 21 for the eighth wicket. Travis Persaud, who got both openers Matthew and Baptiste, finished with three for 49 while Keemo Paul, who triggered the middle order collapse, took three for 32. Barbados, meanwhile, pulled off an easy win when they beat Jamaica by nine wickets at Warner Park.
Jamaica, resuming the day on 87 for six, were bowled out for 113, leaving Barbados to get just 33 for victory.
At the Edgar Gilbert Complex, Trinidad and Tobago were held to a draw as Leeward Islands, set 197 for victory, battled to 160 for eight to stave off defeat.
Tyrone Williams top scored with 68 while Jaidel Richardson and Ras Powell both got 29.
Bryan Boodram finished with three for 38 with Dejourn Charles supporting with two for 12. Earlier, T&T were bowled out for 142 after resuming the day on 62 for two.
Mrinal Wadhwa bowled brilliantly to take six for 40.
