Commanding half-centuries from Romaine Morris and Odain McCatty propelled defending champions Jamaica to a commanding six-wicket win over Barbados yesterday in the first round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional U-19 three-day tournament being played here.
Playing at the Everest Cricket Ground, the Jamaicans successfully chased the 202 runs set by the Bajans, for the win. The Jamaicans
replied with 205 for 4 in 68.2 overs, compliments of the classy knocks from the two young batsmen. Morris, who struck six boundaries in his 110-ball 70 and McCatty who was unbeaten on 81, were aggressive in exploiting an unthreatening Bajan bowling attack. Chad Williams, Neil Persaud, Jafari Toppin and Matthew Jones each claimed a wicket in their team’s losing cause.
The Jamaicans who resumed on 10 for 1 after losing opener Leroy Lugg minutes before stumps on the second day, were three wickets down for 64 runs on the morning of the final day. They lost Romaine Francis (11) and Mark Parchment (13) before lunch.
However, Morris and McCatty continued their attack following resumption of play after the lunch break, picking apart the Barbados bowlers as they sought to hunt down the runs before the tea interval. Unfortunately, Morris was bowled by Toppin minutes before tea, leaving McCatty and new man Abajai Manisingh (11*) to take their team over the ropes.
Upon the resumption of play, McCatty wrapped up the match in commanding style, smashing Persaud for a huge mid-wicket four to take his team to their target with overs and wickets to spare as the Jamaicans opened their campaign with an impressive win.
Jamaica and West Indies U-19 skipper Ramaal Lewis was also instrumental in his side’s win after capturing 10 wickets with his left-arm spin.
On the first day, Barbados were restricted to a first innings total of 120, courtesy of Lewis’ first innings figures of 5-47 and 5-75.
Jamaica was bowled out for a first innings score of 130 in 60 overs courtesy of Barbados left-arm spinner Williams who tore through the batting line grabbing 7-31 in the first innings.
Scoreboard
BARBADOS UNDER-19s 1st Innings 120
JAMAICA UNDER-19s 1st Innings 130
BARBADOS UNDER-19s 2nd Innings 211
JAMAICA UNDER-19s 2nd Innings
(overnight 10 for one)
L. Lugg b Jones 3
O. McCatty not out 81
R. Francis lbw b Persaud 11
M. Parchment c wkpr Boucher b Williams 13
+R. Morris b Toppin 70
A. Mansingh not out 11
Extras: (b12, nb4) 16
TOTAL: (4 wkts, 68.2 overs) 205
Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-45, 3-64, 4-184.
Bowling: Harding 6-1-12-0, Jones 19-4-43-1, Springer 1-0-11-0, Williams 20-8-50-1, Persaud 16.2-2-50-1, Kirton 3-1-15-0, Toppin 3-0-12-1
Result: Jamaica Under-19s won by six wickets.
Points: Jamaica Under-19s 16.5, Barbados Under-19s 4.2
Umpires: M. Baksh, S. Crawford.
