Defending champions Jamaica closed in on a successful title defence when they snatched their third victory on the trot in the West Indies Under-15 tournament on Thursday.

Playing at Wilson Road in Penal, the Jamaicans managed to beat the Leeward Islands on faster run rate after rain intervened to alter their target.

They reduced the opposition to 184 for nine off the allotted 45 overs with Akeem Saunders scoring a brilliant unbeaten 97 for the Leewards, a knock garnished with 12 fours off 129 balls.

James McDonald (2-24) and Ashan Plummer (2-38) led the Leewards attack with two wickets apiece.

Reduced target

Set a reduced target of 164 off 40 overs, Jamaica cantered briskly to victory in 28.3 overs, with good scores coming from Delbert Gayle (49 not out) and Ocean Walters (43).

At Syne Village, Barbados also eluded the complication of rain to emerge with a victory on run rate over the Windward Islands.

Batting first, Barbados rattled up 179 for nine off their 50 overs with Mathew Clarke top-scoring with 66 and Dillon Grace getting 36.

When the rains came, the Windwards were 106 for six off 35.1 overs with Keon George leading the fightback with 29 not out.

Second victory

At Kennedy Park in South Trinidad, T&T registered their second victory of the tournament with a 28-run win over Guyana.

Batting first, T&T were led by a fluent 45 from Stefan Wharwood, which included four fours off 79 balls but they crumbled for a modest 157 off 48.4 overs.

In response, Guyana folded for 129 despite a hard-fought 57 from Chanderpaul Hemraj.

Guyana's bowling was led by Anthony Simmons (2-14), Nyron Motilal (2-31) and Sheehan Bryne (2-30).