GROS ISLET, St Lucia,  CMC – Trinidad and Tobago tried desperately but could not force the crucial outright win against Leeward Islands as their fourth round TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge match finished in a draw yesterday.

Propelled by an exciting century from Kieron Joseph, the Trinidadians raced to 298 for six declared in response to the Leewards’ first innings total of 245, a lead of 53 runs.

Their bowlers then sent the Leewards crashing for 134 runs but they ran out of time at the Gros Islet Playing Field and were forced to settle for first innings points.

Resuming at their overnight 93 for one, T&T accelerated their scoring thanks to Joseph’s superb display. The right-hander stroked 110, carving out 17 fours to lead a rampant Trinidadian batting charge.

He was helped by Evin Lewis whose 74 contained seven fours and three sixes.

T&T declared just before tea and quickly reduced the Leewards to 18 for one, raising hopes of a daring late victory.

But Rakeem Cornwall (34), Akeem Saunders (33) and Hayden Walsh (31) all held up Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring there would be no time for a run chase.

Medium pacer Derone Davis finished with five for 30 while leg-spinner Yannic Cariah claimed four for 61.

T&T took six points from the encounter while Leewards moved to three points.