BAYFIELD, Barbados (CMC) – A face-saving sixth-wicket stand of 97 between captain Akeem Saunders and wicketkeeper batsman Dymon Parris saved Leeward Islands from total embarrassment in their second round Regional Under-19 three-day Championship match against Barbados here yesterday. Playing at the St Catherine Sports Club on the opening day, the Leewards found themselves reeling at 12 for five after a sensational opening burst from left-arm pacer Darnell Greenidge along with fellow pacer Akeem Jordan.
In the end, the Leewards recovered to reach 160 all out and Barbados at the close were 33 for one.
Greenidge finished with four for 15 while Jordan supported with three for 22 as they ripped the heart out of the top order before Saunders and Parris came to their rescue with a gutsy stand.
Saunders stroked 74 including eight fours in 257 minutes from 206 balls while Parris hit 34 from 117 balls in 153 minutes with four fours.
The duo played strokes all around the wicket before Parris was tragically run-out approaching the tea interval, attempting a sharp single.
After he departed, Saunders carried on before he was seventh out, caught and bowled by Chaim Holder, driving at the off-spinner.
The Leewards were in trouble from as early as the second over when Darren Hobson (1) was lbw with the score on one, offering no shot to Jordan.
In the third over, Duan Webb (4) was also lbw to Greenidge pushing forward with the score on seven and with no addition to the score, Omari Matthew also played no stroke to Greenidge and fell lbw without scoring.
Greenidge then completed his rout by removing Ashawn Hodge and Deno Baker without scoring.