ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – A half-century from wicketkeeper Lyndon James guided Windward Islands to first innings points over Guyana as their final round WICB regional first class match ambled to a tame draw yesterday.
James finished unbeaten on 70, an effort that ensured the tail wagged robustly to carry the Windwards to 462 all out in reply to Guyana’s first innings total of 452 at the National Cricket Stadium here.
When play was called off on the stroke of tea, Guyana were 83 for the loss of Sewnarine Chattergoon who was trapped lbw to the first ball of the innings from fast bowler Nelon Pascal.
Gajanand Singh then stroked an entertaining 53 not out off 63 balls, slamming 10 fours in just over an hour and a half at the crease, while Rajendra Chandrika was a spectator on 21.
Starting the day on 371 for seven still requiring 82 runs for first innings honours, James carried the fight for his side after resuming on 18.
The Vincentian wicketkeeper batted cautiously and played shots on merit while presiding over two late order partnerships that tilted the battle in favour of the home side.
James, who struck seven fours in his innings, posted 48 for the eighth wicket with Shane Shillingford (13) and 31 for the ninth wicket with Garry Mathurin (16).
An entertaining battle for first innings lead ensued just before lunch with Guyana, needing one more wicket and the Windwards four more runs, after losing their ninth wicket at 448.
Windwards achieved their target on the stroke of lunch when Delorn Johnson confidently nudged leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo to the fine-leg boundary.
Pacer Esaun Crandon (3-96) and Bishoo (3-115) took three wickets apiece while Assad Fudadin picked up two for 34 runs.
