KINGSTON, Jamaica-THE Leeward Islands and Barbados have played three days of tumultuous cricket and are headed for an exciting conclusion today (Jan. 11) in their opening clash of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional 4-Day Competition.
At the start of the weekend it had appeared as if Barbados would gain an easy first innings lead after the Leeward Islands collapsed in the upper order and were left with a total of 236/all out from 77.5 overs.
Devon Thomas was the top scorer for the Leewards that day with 39. A 38 run partnership between Thomas and Omari Banks was the ultimately catalyst that prevented the squad from being toppled before reaching the 200-run mark.
Barbados benefitted from good pace by Kevin Stoute, who picked up three wickets from nine overs, while Ryan Hinds also picked up three from 24.5 overs.
Though Barbadian opener Jason Haynes was dismissed for 28 when he was caught lbw by Tonito Willett, the Barbadians were still in good shape thanks to a 60 from both Dale Richards and Kirk Edwards.
The advantage did not last long for Barbados, however, when a pair of wickets picked up by Antiguan Anthony Martin sent them into a tailspin that saw them finish their first innings behind the ball at 229/all out from 95.1 overs.
Play continued yesterday (Jan. 10) at Kensington Park and the Leewards were quickly hit by the loss of Nevisian opener Kieran Powell for 12 when he was bowled by Pedro Collins.
Montcin Hodge and Runako Morton quickly rebounded from the loss of Powell and gave significant challenge to Barbados as they embarked upon a 114-run, second wicket partnership.
Collins was the bowler to eventually strike against Hodge after lunch and Morton found not support from the remainder of the day as Barbados’ Ryan Hinds burnt through the middle order and ended the day at three wickets while only giving up 42 runs.
Play for the match continued today in Jamaica with the Leewards having a 193-run lead.
The Leeward Islands will take on Jamaica next week for round two in St. Kitts beginning on January 15.
