T&T on top against Jamaica in Rising Stars championship

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC):

Rajeev Ramnath’s half-century helped put Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in command of their contest against Jamaica, on the second day of the Rising Stars Under-19 men’s championship here yesterday.

The right-hander top-scored with 63 as T&T, resuming the morning at Sion Hill on 43 for one, were dismissed for 191, to carve out a first-innings lead of 39 runs.

Trinidad’s bowlers then stunned Jamaica’s top order to leave the second innings in tatters on 31 for three, heading into today’s final day.

Still, 109 runs adrift of the first-innings lead at the start, T&T were carried by Ramnath who faced 119 deliveries and struck seven fours.

He received support from Olando James, the only other batsman on Sunday to pass 20, with 28 from 76 balls, including four fours.

Reon Edwards (3-40) and Tamarie Redwood (3-64) both grabbed three-wicket hauls, however, to restrict T&T’s lead.

At Park Hill, Barbados were building a strong platform for a victory bid today after managing to secure a crucial first-innings lead of 119.

After declaring on 302 for nine on Saturday’s opening day, Barbados then turned Guyana over for 183, with Isaiah Folkes (2-5), Joshua Dorne (2-34) and Saurav Worrell (2-44) all claiming two wickets each.

Resuming the morning on two without loss, Guyana struggled for partnerships despite decent knocks of 32 from Jonathan Rampersaud, 31 from Aryan Persaud, 30 from Shamar Yearwood and Rampertab Ramnauth’s 27.

In their second turn at the crease, Barbados reached 29 for one, to stretch their overall lead to 148 runs.

At Arnos Vale, Windward Islands suffered a lower-order collapse to concede first-innings lead to Leeward Islands, before hitting back when they bowled a second time.

Resuming from their overnight 85 for five, Windwards lost their last five wickets for 23 runs with Tarrique Edward adding only two to his 25 at the start.

Off-spinner Onaje Amory was outstanding with five for 31 while leg-spinner Mich McKenzie ended with three for 23.

However, Windwards wasted little in getting stuck into the Leewards second innings, reducing them to 85 for six at the close and a lead of only 118 runs.

Kirt Murray (3-21) and Tarrique Edwards (3-24) spearheaded the Windwards attack with three-wicket hauls, while Malique Walsh resisted for Leewards with a top score of 38 from 81 balls, with two fours and a six.