By Brij Parasnath

DESPITE a solid all-round performance by Kevlon Anderson, Guyana lost to Windward Islands by 19 runs in their opening round clash of the Cricket West Indies Under-17 50-Overs competition yesterday.

Having played unbeaten and finished as runners-up to Trinidad and Tobago in last year’s competition, Guyana were hoping to maintain their impressive showing at this level in the regional competition. But those aspirations were dashed when the Guyanese players failed to overhaul the 124 runs made by Windwards, who batted first at Gilbert Park, Brechin Castle, Couva.
Guyana captain Ashmead Nedd won the toss and invited the Windward Islands team to bat first. The move appeared to have been the right one as the Guyanese bowlers restricted their opponents to a gettable total.

Anderson and Junior Sinclair did most of the damage and shared eight wickets between them. Anderson was the chief destroyer and finished with five wickets for 35 runs from 7.4 overs while Sinclair took three wickets for 16 runs from seven overs. Kevin Umrao was impressive with the new ball and finished with analysis of 5-3-3-1.
Kimari Melus was Windwards topscorer with 53 that included one six and six fours off 63 deliveries. He shared a 68-run third-wicket partnership with Tijourn Pope who made 22 that contained four boundaries, off 33 balls. Lee Solomon was the only other player to reach double figures and hit three fours off 31 deliveries for his 22.

In reply, Guyana batsmen struggled and were all out for 105 in 45.2 overs. Anderson, who batted at the number six position; topscored with 27 and hit one four off 51 balls. Opener Alex Algoo made 11 and he slammed two fours off 33 balls while Alphius Bookie and skipper Nedd were the other batsmen to get double figures. Bookie faced 33 balls and struck one six and one four for 13 runs while Nedd compiled 17 that included two sixes off 35 deliveries.

Micah Joseph (10-7-14-2), Simeon Gerson (10-5-10-3) and Janseon Alexander (10-1-28-3) were highly economical and penetrative to deny the Guyanese the opportunity to celebrate another victory in Trinidad as they did last year.
Anderson who captured five wickets and topscored with 27 was voted Player-of-the-Match and was the only consolation for the Guyanese who must win their remaining matches to stay in contention for top honours.

Summarised Scores
At Gilbert Park, Brechin Castle, Couva: Windwards Islands 124 all out in 33.4 overs (Kimani Melus 53, Tijourn Pope 22, Lee Solomon 22; Kevlon Anderson 5 for 35, Junior Sinclair 3 for 16) beat Guyana 105 all out in 45.2 overs (Kevlon Anderson 27, Ashmead Nedd 17, Alphius Bookie 13, Alex Algoo 11; Simeon Gerson 3 for 10, Janseon Alexander 3 for 28 and Micah Joseph 2 for 14).
Player-of-the-Match: Kevlon Anderson (Guyana)