GEORGETOWN, Guyana – A seven-wicket haul by all-rounder Omari Banks in the first innings of the Leeward Islands’ round five encounter against the Windward Islands has placed the squad in good position to earn their first victory in this year’s Regional 4-Day Competition.
Beginning on Friday (Feb. 12), the Leewards set a good tone for the match as they chose to bat first and opener Montcin Hodge returned 61. Though fellow opener Mali Richards was dismissed early for 12 by Shane Shillingford, much of the Leewards side leisurely added runs to give them a first innings total of 325/all out after 112.5 overs.
Kieron Powell, Gavin Williams and Jahmar Hamilton were all critical in the Leewards’ first innings, with each man adding 40-plus runs.
The Windward Islands meanwhile toiled against a long spell of very controlled spin from Banks. Lionel Baker picked up the first wicket of the day for the Leeward Islands against opener Keddy Lesporis for 11, but after that it was almost entirely Banks’ show.
Plowing through the order, the Anguillan bowler ended the innings at 7 for 41 with half centuries from Shillingford and Andre Fletcher being the only sticking points. Windward Islands were left at 204/all out from only 56.2 overs after the thrashing from Banks.
The Leeward Islands had a tougher go of it when they opened their second innings, as Windwards’ Rawl Lewis quickly picked up Hodge, Powell and Williams for 39 in the early overs.
An 82-run fifth wicket partnership between Leewards Captain Steve Liburd and Banks was critical in keeping their side in the lead. Nelon Pascal was eventually the force that broke it up for Windwards as he caused Liburd to edge straight into the hands of wicketkeeper Lydon James two runs shy of his half century.
Banks held on for 57, but Pascal had little mercy on the lower order and ended the innings at an impressive 4 for 40, thus helping to restrict the Leeward Islands to 198 after only 63 overs.
After finishing off the Leewards yesterday (Feb. 14), Windwards began their chase of 320 without a significant amount of flair. Fletcher was in decent form once again and ended the day at 46 not out, but substantial support was not immediately present and the side was left to ponder 128/4 with Fletcher and Pascal as the night watchmen.
Elsewhere in Guyana, the Combined Campuses & Colleges squad was poised on the third day of play to unseat returning champion Jamaica, who have thus far been undefeated in the tournament.
Kavesh Kantasingh punished Jamaica with a four-wicket haul in the first and second innings that eventually left CCC 91 runs away from victory on the final day with six wickets remaining.
Additionally, Guyana will be facing a tough final day in the crease as they need 271 runs from seven wickets if they hope to catch Barbados before the home crowd at the Albion Sports Complex.
