Crucial third round in WICB Cricket competition this weekend

When the third round of matches in the West Indies Cricket Board four-day regional Cricket tournament bowls off at three venues in Barbados today, Friday, January 22, it will be a make or break situation for some of the competition teams.{{more}}

The struggling Windwards, without a point from their loss to Jamaica, faces the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) on twelve points at the 3W’s Oval.

Trinidad and Tobago, on six points, takes on archrivals Barbados at the Kensington Oval. The host sits second on fifteen points, following their outright win over the Leewards last weekend and their three points collected the previous weekend from their drawn match against the Leewards.

Jamaica, which has gathered a maximum twenty-four points from their two matches, plays Guyana on three points at Foursquare in St. Phillip.

Jamaica extended their unbeaten run with a comprehensive seven wicket win over the Leewards at St. Kitts’ Warner Park.

The Leewards batted first and scored 188. Recalled West Indies batsman Runarko Morton topped their batting with 60. Devon Thomas who gained a West Indies cap last year following the fall out between the WICB and the first choice players made 52. Omari Banks hit 39. The main wicket takers for Jamaica were medium fast bowler David Bernard, 4 for 38, and spinner Nikita Miller, 3 for 54.

Jamaica made a strong reply of 379 for 8 declared.

Leading the way was Wavell Hinds with 70; Donovan Pagon made 67; skipper Tamar Lambert, 58, Carlton Baugh, 57 not out, and Bernard, 39. Out of favour West Indies fast bowler Lionel Baker took 4 for 80 and Gavin Tonge, 3 for 95.

The Leewards in their second knock made 216. Morton hit 108. Odean Browne was the architect of their destruction with 6 for 88. Jamaica in their second innings, 27 for 3.

Barbados, which is challenging Jamaica in the race to the title, completed a stunning eight wickets win over the CCC at Grove Park in Nevis.

The CCC made 213 in their first innings. Nekoli Parris, 47, and Vincentian Rommel Currency, 45 not out, were the mainstay of the CCC’s total. Nikolai Charles, 4 for 46, and Ryan Hinds, 3 for 41, shared the bowling spoils for the Bajans.

Barbados established a lead of 88 as they replied with 301. Kevin Stoute made 74 and Jason Haynes, 54. Spinner Ryan Austin snatched 4 for 87.

Reduced to three days, after the third day, Sunday was washed out, Barbados, through the efforts of the speedy Kemar Roach, who snared 7 for 23, dismissed the CCC for 187, giving Barbados 100 to win. This they did losing two wickets, with Dale Richards making 55 not out.

And, the out of sorts Trinidad and Tobago gained first innings from a depleted Guyana outfit.

Trinidad and Tobago posted 416, with Denesh Ramdin making 109 not out, and Lendl Simmons reaching 104. Jason Mohammed contributed 87, as part time bowler Narsighn Deonarine grabbed 3 for 71.

Despite good scores from Rajendra Chandrinka who made 65, Deonarine’s 43,wicketkeeper’s Derwin Christian’s 41 added to Eusan Crandon’s 40, and Travis Dowlin who hit 31, the other Guyanese batsmen could not carry their total beyond 273. Imran Khan was the Soca Warriors’ best bowler with 5 for 96.

Trinidad and Tobago in their second innings declared at 199 for 8. Daren Ganga topscored with 65 and Jason Mohammed scored 40.

When the match was called off, Guyana was 265 for 5. Deonarine completed a good match with 104 not out and captain Sewnarine Chattergoon, 73, as Guyana went in search of 343.

This was the first day night fixture in the regional four day tournament. It was also the first time that the region was using the pink ball. (RT)