(CMC) – No play was possible for the third straight day in the first round match in the West Indies Championship between title-holders Guyana Harpy Eagles and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Conaree Sports Club yesterday.
An impaired outfield, resulting from rain, once again scuppered any chances of play, the game ending in a no-result. Red Force had reached 215 for four in their first innings after winning the toss and choosing to bat, Jason Mohammed finishing unbeaten on exactly 100 – his 12th first class hundred.
Meanwhile, Joshua James produced a late blinder to spearhead a successful West Indies Academy run chase as they stunned Leeward Islands Hurricanes by five wickets on the final day of their West Indies Championship encounter at Warner Park.
With the chase faltering in pursuit of 193, the 22-year-old James arrived at the crease to blast a 21-ball unbeaten 41, to spoil the hosts’ hopes of victory yesterday.
James belted two fours and five sixes and crucially, inspired a 68-run, unbroken sixth wicket stand with Mbeki Joseph whose unbeaten 43 came from 67 balls and included two fours and four sixes.
Opener Kadeem Alleyne had earlier set the tone for the innings when he top-scored with a robust 20-ball 57 as he put on a rollicking 80 for the first wicket with Rashawn Worrell (21), before the innings wobbled.
Resuming the morning on 124 for four in their second innings, Hurricanes were dismissed for 232 with Jahmar Hamilton converting his overnight 20 into a top score of 70 and Terrance Warde chipping in with 33.
Hamilton stretched his overnight fifth wicket stand with Daniel Doram (15) to 38 before adding a further 81 for the sixth wicket with Warde, a partnership which took the hosts to lunch on 215 for five.
Once Hamilton charged left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop (3-33), missed and was stumped after facing 152 deliveries and striking six fours, the innings collapsed swiftly with Hurricanes losing their last five wickets for just 11 runs.
Fast bowler Johann Layne added another scalp to his tally to finish with three for 45 while new-ball partner Nyeem Young (2-48) and left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd (2-66) picked up two wickets apiece.
Alleyne then plundered eight fours and three sixes in a knock which put Hurricanes on the defensive before seasoned pacer Jeremiah Louis (3-41) threatened to haul his side back into the contest with quick strikes.
His enterprise left WI Academy stumbling on 127 for five before James and Joseph sealed the outcome with their fireworks.