GUYANA’S 4-wicket triumph over Jamaica in the final of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Under-19 tournament was due to a total team effort, according to coach Adrian Amsterdam. 

Speaking to Chronicle Sport today, Amsterdam indicated that the players were determined to avenge their earlier loss to Jamaica.
“Before the game started, as a matter of fact, at the meeting the night before, by losing to Jamaica in the first game, the guys were determined to reverse the decision. So they went into that game with the determination to win.”
He credited the entire team for their performance but acknowledged that there were several standout characters in Shimron Hetmyer, Travis Persaud and Keemo Paul who really showed leadership capabilities. He especially praised the batting spectacle put on from Berbician Hetmyer.
“Before the tournament, I had a talk with Hetmyer. I told him that he was a cut above the normal U-19 and he needs to show it. He played first class cricket and he needed to show that he played first class cricket; and he went and he did just that.”
Hosts Jamaica won the toss and took first strike producing 245-6 off 50 overs. They were led by a top knock of 92 from opener Jevon Spence and he was supported by Brad James (51 not out) and Michael Frew 30.
Akenie Adams (2-33), Keemo Paul (2-39) and one each from Balchan Baldeo and Ronaldo Alimohammed, represented the wicket-takers for the Guyanese.
In reply, Guyana battled to 250-6 in the 47th over, compliments of their lengthy batting line-up. Hetmyer once again top-scored with 55 but his innings was stopped via run-out, like Tevin Imlach’s (14) and Baldeo’s (15).
Paul also contributed 15 before he was caught-and-bowled but the skipper Travis Persaud (24) and Sherfane Rutherford (45) steadied the ship during the chase, but made way for Parmanand Randan (6*) and Kassem Khan who hit an unbeaten 43 to push Guyana over the line and complete a terrific tournament-run.
A wicket each went to Brad Barnes, Miguel Smith and Michael Frew for Jamaica.
Jamaica had tangled with Guyana in the opening round of the seven-round tournament and the home side prevailed by five wickets. (Stephan Sookram)