PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Windward Islands captured their first ever regional junior title in the CLICO West Indies Under-15 Championships when they defeated dethroned champions Jamaica by eight runs in the fifth and final round yesterday.

The Windwards and Trinidad and Tobago both finished the tournament on eight points, but the Windwards secured the title on the tie-break of having beaten the hosts in their head-to-head meeting.

Jamaica finished third, two behind the Windwards and T&T on six points, while Barbados (6) took fourth, the Leewards (2) fifth, and Guyana placed bottom-of-the-table without a point.

Leading the victory march for the jubilant Windwards' team was all-rounder Audi Alexander, who played a key role in his side's triumph at the Munroe Road Recreation Ground.

In a low-scoring affair, the Windwards batted first and scored a modest 140 all out off 49.4 overs, with 'Player of the Match' Alexander stroking a top-score of 48 against the three-time champions.

The Jamaicans, who captured two of the last four tournaments, were routed for 132 off 44.4 overs when they replied, with John Campbell top-scoring with 49. There were two wickets apiece for Durani Charles (2-10), Kaven Hodge (2-13) and Alexander (2-27).

Very happy

Coach of the Windwards' team Trevor Shillingford was thrilled at his team's victory and performance during the series.

"I am very elated. I am very happy for the boys," he said. "They have worked hard over the past two weeks and this is the reward for their hard work. I think it is a victory that they well deserved."

The Windwards suffered a fourth-round loss to Barbados, but had already logged fine wins over Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and the Leeward Islands and polished off their efforts with yesterday's tense tournament-winning result.

At Inshan Ali Park in Preysal, four-time champions Trinidad and Tobago recorded an exciting four-wicket-win over Barbados with two balls to spare.

Batting first, Barbados chalked up 207 for seven off 50 overs, with Jason Holder scoring an unbeaten 83 off 113 balls with five fours and two sixes.

In response, Trinidad and Tobago got to their target from the fourth ball off the last over, when Deron Davis struck a six from the bowling of medium-pacer Marquez Clarke.

The Guyanese batted first and were dismissed for 177 off 46.3 overs. Keon Joseph top-scored with 42, while Akeem Charles grabbed five for 33 for the Leewards.

Didlyn Liddie struck an unbeaten 103 off 90 balls with 15 fours and shared in an unbroken second wicket partnership of 170 with Hayden Walsh, who made 52 from 68 deliveries with six fours, as the Leewards romped home to victory at 188 for one in 28.4 overs.