Progressive partnerships and a solid half century from Windward Islands’ Johnson Charles helped the team to comfortably defeat the Leeward Islands in a practice match at the Demerara Cricket Club yesterday, mere days before the commencement of the Regional Super50 tournament on October 19.
Chasing a small total of 158 after Leewards had posted 157, Windwards were aided by an opening stance of 52 between Charles, who made a commanding 72 (11×4, 1×6), and Andre Fletcher (16). However, it was the second wicket alliance between Charles and Keddy Lesporis that carried the Windwards to the brink of victory for the one-sided affair.
The pair put on 86 runs to push the score to 138 before Lesporis (42) was dismissed, leaving the other batsmen to formalize proceeding as their team ended on 159-4 from 25.4 overs. Jacque Taylor was the most successful bowler with 2-15 from his 5.4 overs while Jason Campbell (1-39) and Garria Tounge (1-46) had a wicket each.
When the Leewards batted earlier in the day their batsmen got starts but none of them scored anything significant that would have helped with a better total. Chesney Hughes top scored with 39, which included six fours and a six, Austin Richards Jr. attempted to hold the innings together with a fighting unbeaten 34 (4×4) but there was no ally down the order and they folded in 34.5 overs.
Gary Mathurin was the chief wicket taker with 4-20 from six overs and he was supported by Denis George who captured 3-41 from 7.5 overs.
