SCARBOROUGH, Tobago, CMC- A century from Kofi James steered Leeward Islands to an 18 run victory over Guyana as the West Indies Under 17 Cricket Championship concluded here yesterday.
James struck 104 to become the second batsman to score a century after Brad Barnes’ unbeaten 105 piloted Jamaica to victory over Leewards on Monday.
The Leewards all-rounder faced 116 balls smashing nine fours and three sixes in 122 minutes at the crease as the sub-regional side, despite finishing at the bottom of the table, ended the tournament on a high.
They bowled out Guyana for 226 in 48 overs after posting 244 for nine off 50 overs at Mt. Pleasant in the fifth and final round of competition.
Enroute to three figures James featured in several partnership including 59 for the sixth wicket with Jaeel Clarke who was bowled for 27.
Sherfane Rutherford captured three wickets while two each went to Keemo Paul, Renaldo Ali- Mohamed, and Akenie Adams. An opening stand of 51 between Ronaldo Rene (21) and Adrian Sukwah (29) gave Guyana an encouraging start before losing quick wickets including two with the score on 124.
Rutherford kept the chase alive scoring 39 from 56 balls and hitting three sixes and the same number of fours. But it was a half century from Paul that added further impetus as the Guyanese stayed in sight of the target.
Paul counted six boundaries and a six in a top score of 57 but his efforts were in vain as four of the remaining five batsmen were dismissed without getting into double figures. James, who scored the most, runs for Leewards, returned to capture the most wickets, three, while Jaidel Richardson and Tyrone Williams picked-up two each.
Guyana finished in fourth position on 14.1 points while Leewards finished in the cellar position on 7.9 points.