Rising Star U-19: Johnson fifty hands Ja second win

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC):

Jordan Johnson struck an unbeaten half-century to continue his bright start to the Rising Stars Under-19 men’s championship, as Jamaica won their second on the trot with a six-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

The left-hander, who made 28 not out in last Tuesday’s opener, returned with 57 not out as Jamaica successfully chased down 159 at Arnos Vale yesterday.

At Sion Hill, Windward Islands also won for the second time when they beat Barbados by four wickets, while Leeward Islands rebounded from their opening defeat with an eight-wicket verdict over Guyana.

Trinidad and Tobago needed a top score of 28 from number nine Abdur-Rahmaan Juman in order to get up to their eventual 158 all out in the 48th over.

Opener Nick Ramlal scored 22 but no other player passed 20, as seamers Michael Clarke (3-30) and Reon Edwards (3-36) hurt the innings with three wickets apiece.

In reply, Adrian Weir gave Jamaica their early momentum with 36 off 41 balls, with two fours and three sixes, as he put on 51 for the first wicket with Trevaun Williams (11).

Johnson then anchored two key partnerships, a 52-run third-wicket stand with Steven Wedderburn (19) and a 47-run fourth-wicket stand with Brian Barnes (15), to see his side over the line.

Barbados were meanwhile denied their second victory after being rolled over for 137 in the 40th over and then watching as Windwards overhauled the target in the 45th.

Gadson Bowens top-scored with 49 off 59 deliveries with half-dozen fours and a six while Joshua Dorne chipped in with 25, but Barbados’ innings was destroyed by left-arm spinner Kirt Murray who picked up five for 28.

Windwards’ run chase was then guided by opener Stephen Pascal, who hit 43 off 71 deliveries with five fours, posting 47 for the first wicket with Jerel Jeremiah (11) and a further 35 for the second wicket with Ackeem Auguste (18).

A cluster of wickets made the game interesting before Tarrique Edward held the lower order together with an unbeaten 22 from 45 balls.