CRAB HILL, Barbados (CMC):

Barbados formalised a three-wicket victory over old rivals Trinidad & Tobago in their first-round match of the Carib Beer Series yesterday at the North Stars Social & Cultural Club.

Set 191 for victory, Barbados reached their target about 40 minutes into the day, when Tino Best swept left-arm chinaman bowler Dave Mohammed for a boundary to the long-leg boundary, and finished on 194 for seven in their second innings.

There was some drama before the final passage, when the Barbadians lost three wickets - two to Dave Mohammed - but there was no doubt about which way the pendulum would swing.

Mohammed ended with three wickets for 43 runs from 15.5 overs, and Rayad Emrit took two for 21 from six overs. Best, however, ended the Barbadians' doubts and gave them their first victory over T&T in a regional first-class match at home in the last three contests.

The victory also avenged Barbados' double loss to the reigning champions in last year's competition, when T&T beat them in the final league match and the Challenge Final. After a first-innings deficit of 45 in making 228, Barbados struck back on Saturday, when they bowled T&T out for 145 in their second innings.

Barbados continued on the final morning from 163 for four and required just 28 more runs to complete the victory. They were striding confidently to their target, when. Emrit made the breakthrough.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 1st Innings 273

(K. Pollard 126; D. Smith 4-54, P. Collins 4-55)

BARBADOS 1st Innings 228

(F. Reifer 56; R. Kelly 3-34)

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 2nd Innings 145

(D. Bravo 71; T. Best 4-41)

BARBADOS 2nd Innings (target: 191 runs)

(overnight 163 for four)

D. Richards c D. Mohammed b Emrit