GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Leeward Islands suffered a wobble before pulling off a nervous two-wicket victory over Jamaica, on the final day of their Regional Under-19 Championship contest here yesterday.
Chasing a modest 102 for victory, the Leewards scrambled to 107 for eight in the second round encounter at the Demerara Cricket Club.
They appeared to be cruising to victory when Ross Powell, who top-scored with 38, and Saeed Williams (15) were engaged in an opening stand of 43.
However, once they were separated, seven wickets tumbled for 41 runs to hand Jamaica a way back into the game. Ryon Burnett (2-13) Abijai Mansingh (2-30), who picked up two wickets apiece, were the main catalyst for the revival as they rocked Leeward Islands with inspired spells.
Captain Jeremiah Louis then produced a skipper’s knock, playing responsibly for an unbeaten 34 to stem the flow of wickets and see Leewards to their target.
Earlier, Jamaica were bundled out for 107 in their second innings, after resuming the day on 91 for eight.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph took one more wicket to end with five for 43 while Shaquille Martina (2-6) and Louis (2-28) finished with two wickets apiece.
The victory for Leewards carried them second on 25.6 points, just behind leaders Guyana on 26.3 points.
Jamaica, meanwhile, lie fourth on 20.8 points.