PORT-OF-SPAIN: The Leeward Islands defeated Jamaica by one wicket in their opening round encounter of the WINDIES under 17 Championship on Tuesday at Gilbert Park in California, Trinidad.
The Leewards after a wonderful bowling display had to chase only 138 for victory and they got home at 139 for nine wicket with just one ball to spare.
Antonio Fernandez and Jaylen Francis came together with Leewards on 125 for nine and was able to get the required 13 runs without being separated to spark wild celebrations among the Leewards players.
Earlier, Jamaica found the going tough and despite an admirable 42 from Lenox Simpson, they were only able to score 137 all out. Simpson faced 91 balls, hitting a four and a six and got some support from Oneil Roberts who scored 27. Jamaica’s innings could have been much worse but for a last wicket stand of 39 runs from Simpson and Akeel Hanchard.
The best of the Leewards attack was Tariq Newman who scalped four batsmen in a destructive spell that cost only 14 runs. Kenny Sutton was also good with the ball and he grabbed 3/32.
When the Leewards batted they were going well at 61/1 until a collapse ensued and they slumped to 82 for five. Sutton who was the mainstay at the top of the order fell for 29. Razaq Williams, Hanchard and Brandon English bowled their hearts out in an effort to bring the victory to Jamaica but in the end the last pair took the Leewards home. Williams took 2/27, English 2/28 and Hanchard 3/29.
At Gilbert Park: Jamaica 137 (43.1 overs) (Lenox Simpson 42, Oneil Roberts 27, Tariq Newman 4/14, Kenny Sutton 3/32) vs Leewards 139/9 (49.5 overs) (Kenny Sutton 29, Akeel Hanchard 3/29, Brandon English 2/28, Razaq Williams 2/27)
RESULT: Leewards won by one wk.
Meanwhile, defending champions TT started their title defense with a bang, when they won by a 154 runs margin over Barbados
Windward Islands also defeated Guyana, by 59 runs