GUYANA Under-19s suffered a major setback in their quest to remain the regional best outfit when they were defeated by Jamaica in a low-scoring match in the opening round of the West Indies Cricket Board Under-19 2-innings tournament.The match ended inside the second day’s play at Park Hill yesterday after the Jamaicans maintained their stranglehold and triumphed by 29 runs.
Jeavor Royal produced a magnificent all-round performance to rally the Jamaicans to a morale-boosting victory. He topscored in both innings with 53 and 44 and wrecked Guyana with impressive bowling returns of 6 for 29 and 4 for 23.
The Jamaicans batted first and compiled 143 all out with Jeavor Royal being their main run-getter with 53. He was supported by Jordaine Hill and Matthew Frew who made 24 each. Left-arm spinner Akini Adams (17.5-6-38-7) and Bhaskar Yadram (16-4-57-2) were Guyana’s successful bowlers.
Guyana struggled against left-arm spinner Royal (13-4-29-6) and off-spinner Michael Frew (12-4-39-4) and folded up for 121 all out in their first innings. Renaldo Renee top-scored with 55 (7×4 and 1×6 off 39 balls).
Having secured a 22-run lead, Jamaica set Guyana a victory total of 141 after they were bundled out for 129 in their second innings.
Travis Persaud (0.5-0-2-3), Akini Adams (18-6-55-2) and S. Rutherford (6-1-15-2) claimed the wickets for Guyana.
West Indies Youth player Keemo Paul top-scored for Guyana in their second innings with 35 while Joshua Persaud and Renaldo Renee contributed 29 and 24 respectively.
However, their efforts were not adequate enough as Guyana were bowled out for 112 in their second innings and have to re-group and strategise to win their next encounter. Royal (10-3-23-4) was once again the chief tormentor and he received admirable support from Javelle Glen (8.2-1-27-5) and allowed the Jamaicans to celebrate an important victory.
In the other match, Windwards Islands claimed first innings points versus Leeward Islands at Sion Hill. Windwards batted first and tallied 109 with Alick Athanaze the principal scorer with 39. Kian Pemberton (3 for 23), Kofi (3 for 20) and Daniel Doram (3 for 21) shared the wickets.
Rasheed Fredericks (4 for 25) and Othneil Lewis (3 for 23) did the damage as Leewards were restricted to 104 in their first innings. Ross Powell scored 33.
Windwards are in a better position to strive for outright victory after they closed the second day on 153 for 7 (Alick Athanaze 47, Emmanuel Stewart 58) for an overall lead of 158 with three wickets intact.