KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent:
JAMAICA, the only other contender for the West Indies Under-15 cricket title, kept their hopes alive by crushing the Windward Islands by seven wickets in a high-scoring encounter yesterday.
The Jamaicans' victory set up their game against unbeaten Guyana as a tournament decider when they meet tomorrow.
Jamaica registered their third win at Stubbs, as they easily overhauled what seemed like an insurmountable Windward Islands total.
The Windwards tallied 229 for nine wickets batting first, as Stein Joseph (59) struck two sixes and four fours and Andre Fletcher (53) not to be outdone, smashed three sixes and seven fours. They were supported by Heron Campbell with 32.
Jamie Merchant (2-33) and Rashid Outar (2-35) were the most successful Jamaican bowlers.
In their turn at the crease, Jamaica lashed 234 for three wickets off 45 overs and one ball, as they were led by an unbeaten 72 from Man-of-the-Match Ziggy Levy, who struck five sixes and three fours.
Levy and Marlon Johnson (67) shared a third wicket partnership of 119, as Johnson recorded a six and 10 fours. Captain Jamie Trenchfield chipped in with 37.
Guyana, with an unblemished record, edged closer to the title by recording their fourth straight victory, defeating the Leeward Islands by eight wickets.
Batting first at Sion Hill, the Leeward Islands were dismissed for 146 in 48 overs and two balls, as Clyde Andries grabbed three wickets for 24 runs while captain Krishna Deosarran, who was also the Man-of-the-Match, snared two for 12 from his 10 overs.
In reply Guyana easily reached their target, scoring 147 for the loss of two wickets in 40 overs and two balls, due to half centuries from Stephen Jacobs (50 n.o) and Gajanand Singh (51 n.o). Deosarran chipped in with 20 to ensure victory.
In the other match at Arnos Vale Barbados registered their first win of the tournament, by defeating defending champions Trinidad and Tobago by 94 runs.
The Barbadians batted first and scored 248 for five wickets, as man-of-the-match Carlos Brathwaite (98 n.o) and captain Jed Yearwood (53) posted an opening partnership of 102.
When it was their turn to bat Trinidad and Tobago were bowled out for 154 in 43 overs and three balls, with Adrian Maynard capturing four wickets for 22 runs. Kevon Francois topscored with 27 and captain Javed Mohammed 22.
The youngsters take a break on Easter Monday as the tournament concludes tomorrow with all eyes on the Guyana/Jamaica match at Sion Hill which decides the championship.
The other match-ups will be the Leeward Islands against Barbados while Trinidad and Tobago oppose the Windward Islands.
