Barbados Crowned WICB Champs Of Three-Day Tournament

Bridgetown, Barbados — Barbados were crowned champions of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Under-19 Three-day Tournament as they earned a fighting draw against Guyana on Thursday. The Bajans ended with 45.5 points from five matches ahead of the Guyanese, who finished in second place with 38 points.

Guyana congratulates the victorious Bajans. Photo by Brooks LaTouche.

Playing at the Desmond Haynes Oval, Guyana recovered from 59-5 to reach 159 in the second innings. Mohan Ramdeen batted with freedom to make 66 and withstood some quality fast bowling from Darnell Greenidge (3-35) and Akeem Jordan (3-22). Barbados were set 85 for victory off a minimum of 16 overs, but they never took up the challenge.

Speaking after the match, Barbados captain Shai Hope said he was happy his team was able to win on home soil. The last time the tournament was played in Barbados, back in 2008, the Bajans also won the three-day title.

“It was a very good team performance and it feels very good to win the title at home for the people of Barbados,” said Hope, who made three centuries in five matches. “We are very happy. Hats off to everyone who played a role and who helped us along the way. We kept our focus throughout and always believed we would win, no matter what position we were in.”

Hope added: “We came into the tournament looking to win and we did just that. We wanted to give all 14 players an opportunity and everyone chipped in when they got that chance to represent Barbados. We always kept our eyes on the bonus points and we benefitted a lot from our fast bowlers who were brilliant for us in this tournament.”

There was a run feast at Kensington Oval as Trinidad & Tobago made 443-5 to get first innings points over Leeward Islands, who made 423. Left-handers Brian Christmas (153) and Jeremy Solozano (128) put the Leewards bowling the sword in the first half of the day, while Vikash Mohan helped himself to 92 in the final session.

Solozano batted for six hours, faced 259 balls and hit 15 fours to record his second century of the tournament. He added 184 for the second wicket with Christmas, who batted 6 ½ hours, faced 290 balls and cracked 16 fours and a six. Mohan then enjoyed himself, striking a six and ten fours off 92 balls as he added 143 off 149 balls with Christmas.

Over at the Weymouth Sports Complex, Windward Islands off-spinner Kenneth Dember got turn and bounce on a helpful pitch to take career-best 8-44 off 26 overs against Jamaica. This followed up his first innings six-wicket haul as he ended with match figures of 14 for 89.

The players will have a two-day break before the start of the 50-over tournament on Sunday.

Score summaries:
At Desmond Haynes Oval: Barbados vs Guyana – Match drawn
Guyana 136 all out (Shawn Pereira 33, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 25; Darnell Greenidge 3-28, Chad Williams 3-39, Akeem Jordan 2-24, Chaim Holder 2-34) and 159 all out (Mohan Ramdeen 66, Kamesh Yadram 29; Darnell Greenidge 3-35, Akeem Jordan 3-22, Chad Williams 3-44). Barbados 211 (Shayne Moseley 65, Carlos Maynard 50, Gudakesh Motie 5-73, Romario Shepherd 3-34) and 28-0.

At Weymouth: Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Match drawn
Jamaica 116 all out (Delbert Gayle 38, Brandon King 20; Kenneth Dember 6-45, Preston McSween 2-14) and 122 all out (Delbert Gayle 55, Bryan Gayle 25; Kenneth Dember 8-44) Windward Islands 192 (Keone George 48, Tarryck Gabriel 37, Gibron Pope 26, Oshane Walters 4-47)

At Kensington Oval: Trinidad and Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Match drawn
Leewards 423 all out (Akeem Saunders 167, Deno Baker 109, Darren Hobson 53; Philton Williams 5-84). Trinidad and Tobago 443-5 innings closed (Brian Christmas 153, Jeremy Solozano 128, Vikash Mohan 96)

FINAL POINTS STANDINGS
Barbados       45.5
Guyana         38.0
T&T              37.0
Windwards     36.0
Jamaica         29.0
Leewards       21.5