GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Reigning champions Windward Islands saw their bid for a victory thwarted by a damp outfield and stubborn batting that earned Leeward Islands a draw in the WICB Regional Under-19 Championship yesterday.
Leewards, trailing by 98 on first innings, finished on 86 for five in their second innings, after play on the final day of the third round match at the Bourda Oval was limited to just over two hours.
The result meant Windwards finished with 6.3 points, moving to 7.3, and Leewards collected 3.5, taking them to 6.7.
Only 35 overs were possible, after heavy overnight rain left the ground unfit for play in the first two sessions.
Windwards declared on their overnight 340 for eight, and put the Leewards under pressure, reducing them to 32 for five.
But Leewards captain Rahkeem Cornwall, not out on 17, joined all-rounder Nino Henry, not out on 34, and they shared 54 – unbroken – for the sixth wicket, sparing the Leewards blushes.
The pair batted diligently for 1¼ hours, as Henry hit four fours and a six, while Cornwall curbed his natural aggression in a defiant 1½-hour stay.
Once again the Windwards bowling was led by left-arm spinner Larry Edward. He ended with three for 28 from 14 overs for overall match figures of eight for 96.
Pacer Shaquille Browne ended with two for 15, after he made the breakthrough, when he snatched two wickets in three balls, but he had to be taken off after bowling two chest-high full tosses.