BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Kieran Powell missed out on his seventh first class century but Leeward Islands batted all day to defy Jamaica on the opening day of their second round, Regional Four-Day match in St Kitts on Friday.
The West Indies left-hander hit 91 as the Leewards, opting to bat first, reached 205 for six at Warner Park when stumps were drawn at Warner Park in the day/night affair.
Leeward Islands owed much to their attractive opener Powell who held the innings together as Jamaica’s bowlers made constant inroads.
He faced 181 balls in just under four hours at the crease and struck 14 fours. After losing opening partner Montcin Hodge (5) with the score on 24, Powell added 68 for the second wicket with Mali Richards (17).
Once the pair were separated, however, the Leewards lost five wickets for 44 runs, with Powell nicking pacer Andrew Richardson behind, to leave the innings dangling at 136 for six.
The experienced Tonito Willett then produced a timely unbeaten 51, partnering with Hayden Walsh Jr (20 not out) in an unbroken stand of 69, to keep the Leewards afloat.
Captain Tamar Lambert (2-24), fast bowler Jerome Taylor (2-33) and Richardson (2-34) all picked up two wickets apiece.
