BAYFIELD, Barbados, CMC – Captain Shai Hope led by example to strike his second century in as many matches as Barbados took full control of their encounter in their second round match of the Regional Under-19 three-day Championship against the Leeward Islands here yesterday.
In his third year at this level, Hope scored a superb 141 not out as Barbados, resuming from their overnight 33 for one, declared 284 for five, an hour after the tea interval.
At the close, the Leewards were 59 for three in their second innings, needing another 65 runs to make Barbados bat again.
Hope was the star of the day, however, and it was his innings that put Barbados in their commanding position.
The right-hander resumed his innings with opener Craig St Hill, who was on seven, and the pair continued merrily along to feature in a second wicket partnership of 161.
Hope cracked six fours and two sixes off 255 balls in 297 minutes at the crease while St Hill, who cracked 73, faced 205 balls in just over four hours batting and counted five fours.
St Hill looked in great touch before he was lbw to off-spinner Leachim Phipps pushing forward after lunch.
However, Hope continued to play a series of handsome strokes and brought up three figures off 205 balls in 246 minutes with five fours.
Meanwhile, Barbados lost wickets at the other end as Kemar Brathwaite was caught behind off off-spinner Deno Baker for seven and Jonathan Drakes, who looked comfortable at the crease in hitting three fours in 20, was stumped going for a big drive off off-pinner Tristan Hanley.
Left-handed Jameel Stuart never looked settled and was caught by Duan Webb at short cover off Hanley for eight.
Hanley was the most successful bowler finishing with two for 74.
Facing a deficit of 124 runs on first innings, the Leewards lost Darren Hobson (7) to a catch at slip by St Hill off fast bowler Akeem Jordan after he had put on 31 for the first wicket with Webb (25).
Off-spinner Chaim Holder prised out Webb with the score on 46 before Omari Matthew was tragically run out, going for a non-existent single.
