KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – Left-handed opener Ross Powell stroked a superb, unbeaten half-century to help Leeward Islands brush aside neighbours Windward Islands by six wickets, in their opening three-day game of the Regional Under-19 Championship here Friday.
Set 169 for victory at Sion Hill, the Leewards raced to their target with Powell leading the way with 85 not out and fellow opener Tyrone William getting 48.
Together, they gave their side a brilliant start by adding 90 for the first wicket in good time. Powell faced 157 balls and lashed six fours and three sixes while Williams struck four fours and two sixes in a breezy 61-ball innings.
When he eventually perished, the Leewards suffered a mini slide, losing three wickets for 13 runs as left-arm spinner Rasheed Fredericks also accounted for Kofi James (6) and Karima Gore (0) in the same over with the total on 103.
However, Powell remained steady, posting a further 37 for the fourth wicket with Cameron Pennyfeather who made 19 off 32 deliveries with three fours.
When he became Fredericks’ third wicket, victory was already in sight and Powell anchored an unbroken, 31-run, fifth wicket stand with Jaeel Clarke (10) to see the Leewards home.
Earlier, the Windwards lost their last three wickets for ten runs after resuming the day on 153 for seven in their second innings – 158 runs ahead.
Kian Pemberton finished with four for 13 while Javy Benjamin (2-16) and Daniel Doram (2-51) claimed two wickets apiece.
Summarized Scores:
WINDWARD ISLANDS 109 all out (Alick Athanaze 39, Anil Matthew 23; Kofi James 3-20, Daniel Doram 3-21, Kian Pemberton 3-23) & 163 (Emmanuel Stewart 58, Alick Athanaze 47; Kian Pemberton 4-13, Javy Benjamin 2-16, Daniel Doram 2-51)
LEEWARD ISLANDS 104 all out (Ross Powell 33; Rasheed Fredericks 4-25, Othneil Lewis 3-23) & 171 for four (Ross Powell 85 not out, Tyrone Williams 48; Rasheed Fredericks 3-50)