BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A resilient Windward Islands staged a spirited fightback on the final day of their first round match in the Regional Under-19 three-day Championship to place themselves in position for an unlikely come-from-behind win over tournament hosts Barbados, but were forced to settle for a draw in the end.
Beginning the last day still 40 runs in arrears with nine of their second innings wickets still standing the visitors compiled 202 before being dismissed deep into the final session.
The home team, set 131 to win from 19 overs, were at one point reeling to 74 for six with six overs still available.
However seventh-wicket pair Kemar Brathwaite and Darnell Greenidge held on to see the hosts to safety on 84 for no further loss at the end of the mandatory 15 overs in the final hour at Queen’s Park.
The Windwards batsmen dominated the first session as they added 90 runs for the loss of captain and first innings topscorer Jerlani Robinson’s wicket for 33.
Robinson and opener Keon George took their second wicket stand to 66 before being parted while Taryck Gabriel who replaced the skipper at the wicket, helped George put on another 80 on either side of the luncheon interval.
George who adopted the sheet-anchor role in both alliances was eventually adjudged lbw to offspinner Chaim Holder for 58 (95 balls, five fours) but Gabriel, quick to pounce on anything loose, delighted the Windwards supporters with his forthright strokeplay.
He recorded his fifty off 82 balls in 91 minutes batting before going onto make 65, smacking seven fours and two sixes in 145 minutes batting.
Barbados, rocked from as early as the first over, stumbled to 45 for three and then 74 for six before Brathwaite and Greenidge kept their partnership going until the close.
Earlier Greenidge (3-23) returned the best figures for Barbados while left arm spinner Larry Edward took two” Bajan” wickets for 17 runs in the second innings which contained two run outs.
