SVG, Grenada take first round honours in Windwards U-19 Cricket

Hosts and defending champions St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada gained first innings points over Dominica and St Lucia respectively, following the first round of the Winlott Inc Windward Islands Under-19 Cricket Tournament, which was completed last Tuesday.{{more}}

The Vincentians, however, had to stave off a resurgent Dominica to hold on to a draw at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, set 187 to win, were 123 for 7 when rain stopped play.

A defiant 41-run eighth wicket partnership between captain Othneil Lewis and Shane Roberts rescued the Vincentians’ second innings.

The two came together at 82 and mixed aggression with defence to thwart the Dominicans’ push for a come from behind win.

Lewis was 37 not out, which included 3 fours and a pair of sixes, while Roberts’s valuable 9 runs, came from 64 balls.

St Vincent and the Grenadines entertained the challenge when Tijoun Pope was at the wicket. He hit 2 fours and the same number of sixes; however, when he fell for 30, this initiated the slide.

Bowling for Dominica, Lee Louisy had 2 for 18 and Jahenson Alexander – 2 for 19.

Behind by seven runs, Dominica was purposeful in their second innings, declaring at 193 for 8. Deon Burton struck 7 fours in his 56; Allick Athanaze’s 41 saw him striking 5 fours and a six, while Peltier laced 5 sixes and one four in his 43.

In between, Ronaldo Franklyn picked up 3 for 20 and Othneil Lewis – 3 for 51.

When the match began on Monday, Dominica had posted 189. Allick Athanaze struck 69, made up of 6 fours and 2 sixes. Brian Joseph added 33 and Deon Burton 25.

Othneil Lewis was the pick of the Vincentian bowlers, taking 5 for 48 and Rasheed Fredricks had 3 for 52.

St Vincent and the Grenadines in reply reached 196 all out, Tijourn Pope slamming 6 fours and 2 sixes in his 50, while Jeremy Layne compiled 42.

Jahenson Alexander – 2 for 21, Kassim Peltier – 2 for 43, Lee Louisy – 2 for 45 and Shevron Dorsette – 2 for 52, shared the wickets for Dominica.

But Grenada had more breathing space versus St Lucia at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

Grenada batted and posted 224 all out. Johann Jeremiah fell short of triple figures, making 96. His knock was supplemented by 9 fours and 18 twos and Jamal Charles contributed 36.

Shervin George took 3 for 32, Veron Preville 2 for 21 and Collinus Callender 2 for 17, bowling for St Lucia.

The combined bowling efforts of Darel Cyrus – 3 for 51, Jonathan Taylor – 2 for 14 and Ryan John helped dismiss St Lucia for 127.

Shervin George was St Lucia’s lead batsman with 35; Vernillus Gabriel scored 27 and Veron Preville – 22.

Grenada were 114 for 7 when play was called. Ryan John made 25. Kester Charlmange picked up 2 for 21 and Joshua Mann – 2 for 46.

The second round of matches was set for Wednesday and Thursday, with St Vincent and the Grenadines set to meet St Lucia at Sion Hill and Dominica and Grenada should have battled at Arnos Vale One.

The final round is slated for this Saturday and Sunday. St Vincent and the Grenadines play Grenada at Arnos Vale One and Dominica and St Lucia tangle at Arnos Vale Two.

Following the last round, the presentation ceremony takes place at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, when the Windward Islands team for this year’s regional competition will also be named.(RT)