KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Leeward Islands failed to fully capitalize on a 114-run second-wicket stand between Montcin Hodge and Runako Morton and Barbados fought back against them on the third day of their first-round WICB Regional Four-Day, first class game yesterday.
The Leewards closed the day on 186 for six, just 193 ahead entering today’s final day and will be pressing for quick runs to give themselves enough time to dismiss the Barbadians at Kensington Park.
The Barbadians may also be eyeing an outside chance of sneaking victory with the likes of batsmen Dale Richards and Ryan Hinds in their line- up.
A draw is also possible since both teams have found it difficult to score quickly on a sluggish pitch.
The dangerous Morton is unbeaten on 78 and during the process has registered his 34th first class fifty.
He has so far accumulated his runs from 254 balls during 280 minutes of intense concentration.
Morton has already powered eight fours and will look to continue frustrating Barbados skipper Ryan Hinds and his troops, who have been guilty of dropping the Nevisian twice.
The Leewards had resumed on 20 without loss but lost Kieran Powell early for 12 when the wily Pedro Collins breached his defence and bowled him.
Hodge, who impressed with effective use of his feet against the spinners and his ability to find the gaps for ones and twos, and Morton took the score to 94 without further loss by lunch.
After the break, Collins again triggered the breakthrough for his captain when he dislodged Hodge for 55, caught behind by wicket-keeper Patrick Browne, who moved neatly to his right to take a low catch.
The wristy Hodge stroked three fours and faced 205 deliveries in his 225 minute stay at the crease.
Tonito Willett’s uncomfortable stay at the wicket ended when he went via the same route to the Barbadian left-arm bowler, who continuously slanted the ball across the Leewards right-handers.
Captain Steve Liburd went soon after, leg before wicket to Hinds for seven, who soon after beat a forward defensive prod from Omari Banks and bowled the former West Indies all-rounder between bat and pad.
Devon Thomas then put his team into more dire straits when he misjudged and played no shot to a straight one from left-arm spinner Hinds to be out bowled as his team added a further five runs before the rains came and ended play at 4:26 pm local time.
