- Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
President's XI batswoman Kimberley Simms (on ground) is run out by Rashana Outar (not in picture) as wicketkeeper Claudine Beckford (left) looks on in yesterday's Under-19 women's match between the hosts and the President's XI at UTech.

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Reporter

THE PRESIDENT'S XI defeated Jamaica by three wickets on the opening day of the regional Under-19 women's cricket tournament at UTech yesterday.

After winning the toss and choosing to field, the President's XI team, which comprises only local-based players due to financial constraints on the other territories, blew away the Jamaicans for a modest score of 101 in only 17.4 overs.

Captain Stafanie Taylor, 32, and Phillipa Simms, 10, were the only Jamaicans in double figures, as Chedeen Nation (3-17), Chris Ann Chambers (3-8) and Patrice Cuff (2-30) did the bulk of the damage with the ball.

At their turn at bat, the President's XI made 102 from 33.4 overs; the total included 49 extras.

Tamika Sanford made 27 off 25 balls and Toni Greeves, nine, to lead the run chase for the President's XI. Taylor (3-12), Rashana Outar (1-13) and Abbey Gay Hendricks (1-30) were the only wicket takers for the hosts.

Disappointed

The coach of the Jamaica team, Cleon Smith, was very disappointed after the game.

"We did not play the departments of the game that well - we batted very poorly," Smith said. "Their (President's XI) bowling wasn't threatening, but we didn't apply ourselves well at the crease ... but I am confident we can get it together today against Trinidad and Tobago."

Winning coach Leon Campbell said: "I am very happy for the victory. We performed to expectations because most of the players are from the senior ranks so I didn't expect us to lose too many wickets.

"Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty, but nonetheless, I am OK with this victory," he said.

At Port Esquivel, Barbados defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 16 runs in the day's other game.

Batting first, the Bajans made 167 off their allotted 40 overs and then reduced T&T to 152 for eight in their 40 overs.

In today's matches, Jamaica will take on T&T at UWI, Mona and Barbados face the President's XI at Melbourne Oval. All matches start at 9:30 a.m.