Collapse leaves U-19s facing tough target

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Ramaal Lewis and Odean Smith restored the balance of power to leave Jamaica hunting for a victory, after a career-best spell from Barbados captain Chad Williams restricted them to a narrow first-innings lead in the Regional Under-19 Tournament yesterday.

Lewis, the Jamaica and incumbent West Indies Under-19 captain, captured 5-75 from 29.1 overs with his flighty off-spin to end with match figures of 10-122, as Barbados were dismissed for 211 in their second innings, about 35 minutes before the close on the second day of their first-round match at Everest.

Odean Smith supported Lewis with 4-44 from 13 overs with his incisive fast-medium bowling and had put the early skids on the Barbadians with his late movement through the air on another hot, sunny day in the Guyana capital.

EARLY SETBACK

Jamaica, chasing 202 for victory, then reached 10 for one in their second innings when stumps were drawn, with Odaine McCatty not out on one and Ramone Francis not out on zero.

The Jamaicans suffered an early setback, when Leroy Lugg, the tall, rugged West Indies Under-19 opener, played back and across to a well-pitched delivery from left-arm spinner Matthew Jones and was bowled for three.

This all unfolded after Williams collected 7-31 from 21 overs, as Jamaica were bowled out for 130 in their first innings, about 55 minutes before lunch, for a first-innings lead of 10.

Lewis showed his ability with the bat in making 23, but none of the other Jamaican lower-order batsmen reached 20, as they lost their last five wickets for 19 runs.

EASY WIN FOR WINDWARDS

Meanwhile, the Windwards, who resumed from an overnight score of 91 for two, declared their first innings at 249 for nine wickets to tighten their grip on the game after they had bowled out Trinidad and Tobago for 74 at Enmore. Batting a second time, Trinidad and Tobago were 49 for one at stumps.

Ross Powell belted a century to inspire an exciting fightback by the Leeward Islands against Guyana yesterday.

Powell batted impressively to pile up 130 runs, powering Leewards to 300 for eight after resuming from their overnight total of 21 for one wicket at the National stadium. They now lead by 30 runs on first innings after Guyana were all out for 270 runs on the opening day.