EWARTON, Jamaica, CMC – Rain ruined Trinidad and Tobago’s chances of overhauling Jamaica and reaching the Regional Under-19 Championship final, when it forced a no-result in their contest against Leeward Islands here yesterday.
The Leewards piled up a respectable 235 for nine off their 50 overs but rain during the innings break, which left the field unfit for play, forced the abandonment of the game and ensured that third placed T&T would take only two points from the contest.
T&T started the day just 0.6 points behind the second placed Jamaica on 21 points, and with a great opportunity to still clinch a spot in the final.
However, with the no-result and Jamaica beating Barbados by 39 runs in their seventh round match, T&T finished third and missed out on the championship game.
Batting first, the Leewards were powered by middle order batsman Kofi James who top-scored with 56 and the in-form Alzarri Joseph who struck 46 to follow up his 97 on Thursday.
Saeed Williams chimed in with a valuable unbeaten 42 down the order while Tyrone Williams got 24 and Cameron Penny-feather, 22.
The Leewards lost Xavier Saunders cheaply for six with the score on 26 but recovered through Joseph and Tyrone Williams who added 58 for the second wicket.
Joseph faced 43 deliveries and struck seven fours and one six while Williams counted two fours and a six off 44 balls.
Leewards then lost three quick wickets for 19 runs to slip to 103 for four but James propped up the innings with a knock that consumed 81 balls and included four fours and one six.
He posted 32 for the fifth wicket with Pennyfeather and another 34 for the sixth wicket with Jaeel Clarke (5).
Seed Williams then produced a busy knock at the back end, hitting a four in an innings off 47 balls.
Left-arm spinner Bryan Boodram claimed three for 43 while fellow spinner Jyd Goolie took two for 32.