(CMC) – Barbados and Jamaica completed comfortable wins while Windward Islands inflicted reigning champions Leeward Islands with a sound defeat, in the opening round of the Rising Stars Under-19 men’s championship yesterday.
In a contest at Sion Hill which was reduced to 39 overs per side, Barbados successfully defended 152 against Trinidad and Tobago while at Cumberland, Jamaica easily overhauled a paltry 78 in a game reduced to 30 overs per side. At Arnos Vale, the Leewards found a target of 201 too tall an order and crashed to a 42 run loss to the Windwards.
Choosing to bowl first in misty conditions after rain delayed the start, T&T removed both openers cheaply but then met resistance through Nathan Sealy who top-scored with 35 off 55 balls.
Isaiah Folkes (25 not out) and Joshua Dorne (24) further consolidated for Barbados to get them up to 152 all out.
Left-arm spinner Andrew Rambaran (3-20) and seamer Jacen Agard (3-41) claimed three wickets apiece.
In reply, only number four Rajeev Ramnath with a top score of 35 off 75 deliveries showed any enterprise as lively seamers Raneico Smith (4-24) and Dre Springer (3-36) scythed through the innings. Meanwhile, left-hander Jordan Johnson produced a cameo unbeaten 28 off 20 balls, with three fours and a six, as Jamaica collected the points.
Michael Clarke (3-13) and Reon Edwards (3-18) grabbed three wickets apiece to bundle Guyana out for 78 in the 24th over before Johnson formalised the result with his fireworks.
Windward Islands joined the winners’ row thanks to Tarrique Edward (35) and Captain Ackeem Auguste (32), whose knocks helped lift their side to 200 for eight off 50 overs.
Opener Michael Palmer and number four Jewel Andrew then both carved out stroke-filled knocks of 31 while number three Michael Greaves hit a patient 28, but Edward returned with his off-spin to torment Leewards with a spell of three for 23 and earn his side victory.
