GUYANA Under-19 team complemented the performance of the Under-15s, as they retained their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional 50-over title with a four-wicket win over Jamaica yesterday at Manchester High School, Jamaica.The hosts won the toss and took first strike on familiar turf to amass 245-6 off 50 overs. They were led by a top knock of 92 from opener Jevoy Spence and he was supported by Brad James (51 not out) and Michael Few who contributed 30.
Akenie Adams (2-33) and the consistent Keemo Paul (2-39), along with a wicket each from Balchan Baldeo and Ronaldo Alimohammed, were the Guyana bowlers to claim the spoils.
In reply, Guyana battled to 250-6 in the 47th over, compliments of their lengthy batting line-up. Shimron 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 in the Jamaican camp.
Jamaica tangled with Guyana in the opening round of the seven-round tournament and the home side prevailed by five wickets.
After that Guyana defeated Trinidad and Tobago and Leeward Islands in rounds two and three then were well rested, following win in round four over Barbados.
Windward Islands and Canada then suffered defeats at the hands of the champions in round six and seven as they qualified for the final.