TT lead Jamaica on first innings

0GEORGETOWN: Trinidad and Tobago cricketers, led by an eighth-wicket partnership of 73 in 65 minutes between Jonathan Augustus and Ravi Rampaul, registered a hard-fought first innings lead against Jamaica on the second day of their final preliminary round match at the LBI ground yesterday.

Going at the Jamaicans’ total of 188, Trinidad and Tobago were in dire straits on 115 for seven, before Augustus and Rampaul featured in their rescue mission. Augustus struck a determined 67 and Rampaul a quickfire 42, as the Trinidadians were dismissed for 225. Leg-spinner Garvin Wallace, with three for 86, was the top bowler. He was well supported by pacer Borris Hutchinson with two for 21 and leg-spinner Howard Powell two for 60. Jamaica, in arrears by 37 runs, ended on 20 for one. It was Augustus’ maiden half-century at this level. His innings lasted 165 minutes and 148 balls and contained six fours. Rampaul’s breezy knock came in 65 minutes from 66 balls and included five fours.

The Jamaicans resumed on 158 for seven and were eventually dismissed for 188. Wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton struck an unbeaten 55, while Rampaul captured his second five-wicket haul in the series. He ended with figures of five for 44. Trinidad and Tobago who lead the standings with 24 points following outright wins against the Windward Islands and the Rest of Americas will top Group B, whatever the outcome. Defending champions Barbados defeated the Leeward Islands by an innings and four runs in their final preliminary match also yesterday, to book a place in the semi-finals. Resuming on 116 for three wickets overnight, the Barbadians extended their total to 207 and then bowled the Leewards out for 120 in their second innings, a showing that was not much better than their first innings 83.

Summarised scores:
(GROUP A) - At Demerara - LEEWARD ISLANDS 83 and 120 - Javier Liburd 28, Larry Joseph 19, Jamal Smith 6/35 vs BARBADOS 207 - J Smith 82, Ruel Brathwaite 30, L Joseph 5/62.
At Bourda (at tea) - CANADA 116 - Trevin Bastiampillai 36, Zaheer Mohammed 4/33, Davendra Mishoo 3/17 vs GUYANA 312/9 dec - Assad Fudadin 127, Zamal Khan 64, Z Mohammed 48, Karum Jheti 3/86, Jasjit Mangat 2/29.
GROUP B: At Everest (at tea) - REST OF AMERICAS 107 - Stephen Outerbridge 27; Liam Sebastien 5/24 and 87/8 - Mervin Matthews 4/10, Jean Paul 2/16 vs WINDWARD ISLANDS 242 - M Matthews 78 not out, Denroy Charles 45, Craig Emmanuel 34, L Sebastien 33; Omari Bryan 5/78. (CMC).