BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

Jamaica earned a hard-fought victory when they defeated the Leeward Islands in their second round TCL West Indies Cricket Challenge Limited Overs match at the Edgar Gilbert Sports Complex yesterday.

Set a revised target of 179 runs in 42 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis Method after a rain interruption, Jamaica reached their target with 19 deliveries remaining to chalk up their second victory. The base for their victory was an inspiring opening stand of 72 between Horace Miller (42) and Christie Jones (24).

Earlier, the Leeward Islands, asked to bat first, got 197 all out from 44 overs, thanks to half centuries by Devon Thomas (78) and Terrance Ward (54).

Frenetic pace

Chasing a relatively easy target, Miller and Jones set off at a frenetic pace treating the Leewards new-ball bowlers with little or no respect. They became more circumspect with the introduction of the spinners who eventually brought about their demise.

Miller was the first to go leg before wicket in the course of the 14th over as he tried to hit spinner Trevier Smithen (2-37) out of the ground, with dark rain clouds looming overhead. His 47-ball knock contained three fours and two effortless sixes.

Two runs later, Jones fell in a similar fashion as he misread and played over a well disguised slower ball form Chesney Hughes. His was a more patient innings containing five fours from 42 balls.

Shacoya Thomas (32) and Robert Weir (29) steadied Jamaica's middle order with a 62 run partnership for the fourth wicket after a slight wobble.

When the pair was dislodged, the Leeward Islands made an attempt to exert some pressure but by then it was too little too late.

Earlier, Thomas and Ward hauled the Leewards around from 83 for five in the 25th over with a 45-run stand. Thomas struck nine fours and one six from the 75 balls and was sixth out, while Ward faced 69 deliveries with three fours and three massive sixes.

Fast bowler Jason Dawes snatched three for 25, while Christie Jones (2-12) and Jason Hoilette (2-31) provided well-needed support.

TIED GAMES

At Cayon: Guyana tied with the Windward Islands in their second round match yesterday. Chasing a revised total of 172 from 42 overs, the Windwards were dismissed for 171.

Scores: GUYANA 186 off 45.5 overs (Rajindra Chandrika 88, Seon Hetimyer 27, Vishal Singh 23; Delorn Johnson 4-33, Mike Naraine 2-32, Dawnley Grant 2-32).

WINDWARDS 171 off 41.5 overs (Lindon Lawrence 74, Lauron Francois 40, Donwell Hector 28; Kellon Carmichael 3-40, Veerasammy Permaul 3-42).

At Conaree: Trinidad & Tobago tied with Barbados in their second round match yesterday.

Chasing a revised target of 239 for nine off 47 overs, Trinidad & Tobago finished on 238 for nine.

Scores: BARBADOS 244-7 off 50 overs (Kyle Hope 64 not out, Kyle Corbin 57, Shamarh Brooks 51, Rashidi Boucher 34; Kjorn Ottley 2-41).

T&T 238-9 off 47 overs (Kjorn Ottley 77, Darren Bravo 43, Kavon Cooper 33; Ashley Nurse 3-35, Randall Hoyte 2-16, Stefan Gooding 2-53).