Barbados take Carib Beer Cup

BRIDGETOWN: Barbados swiftly demolished the Leeward Islands by seven wickets inside three days of the key sixth round Carib Beer Series 2003 match yesterday to romp to an unprecedented 18th regional first-class title with a game to spare. On a sensational morning during which rain curtailed play by 25 minutes, the Leewards crashed from an overnight 94 for four to 98 all out in 35 balls as fast bowling pair Tino Best and Ian Bradshaw went on the rampage. Best ended with four for 26 to push his tally of wickets for the season to 28, while Bradshaw picked up two for 26 — a match haul of six for 89 — and 25 wickets so far as the Leewards survived for just 37 minutes.

Set 57 for victory, Courtney Browne’s team triumphed in 12 overs — 22 minutes before lunch. It was Barbados’ fourth victory of the season with all four completed within three days as they cruised to 60 points, leaving pre-round second  placed Leewards on 34 points. While Browne pointed to a well-prepared and experienced unit for his team’s success, Leewards’ team manager Elquemedo Willett said he was “stunned” by the incredible batting collapse.“We were well prepared and our experience pulled us through. We played very well this season,” an elated Browne said. “This year we played very well. Our experience over the other teams obviously was great and team commitment is something that we tried to drill in the guys every day and I thought in the end that brought us through.”

Sitting next to Browne in the Peter Short Media Centre, Willett could not hide his disappointment. “I am very, very disappointed. I am shocked as a matter of fact,” the former West Indies left-arm spinner said. “I can’t understand it. I just don’t know. We just didn’t fight (yesterday) morning. I am trying to figure out what happened this morning. I can’t put my finger on it. The Leewards suffered an immediate setback when left-hander Ian Tittle, who topscored with 26, drove the first ball of the day from Best for an easy catch to cover. Rain forced the players off the field after just nine balls. Just after play resumed, Omari Banks, who started the day on three, was caught at the wicket by Browne off Bradshaw.