Runako Morton (106), Jaggernauth (4/82) star

SALEM PARK: A powerful century by Leeward Islands batsman Runako Morton and some steady spin bowling by Amit Jaggernauth of Trinidad and Tobago resulting in four wickets towards the end of play were the highlights in the battle for second place yesterday in their Carib Beer Series regional cricket match. Morton, bidding to regain a place in the West Indies team ahead of the series against South Africa and Pakistan, hammered ten fours and six sixes in his knock of 106 off 186 balls in 231  minutes. The middle order batsman shared in a third wicket stand of  113 with Leewards captain Sylvester Joseph, who fell for 41 after being dropped three times —  twice at forward short leg off the  Trinidad and Tobago wily wrist spinner Dave Mohammed.

It was Morton’s second hundred against Trinidad and Tobago following his ton in Port-of- Spain three years ago and his first for the Leeward Islands this season, beating his previous top score of 58. But Trinidad were able to claw back into contention by restricting the Leewards from 183 for three to 293 for eight. Off-spinner Omari Bank, promoted in the batting order, failed to make the most of the opportunity, scoring only 14. Stuart Williams, a former West Indies opener, did not get among the runs dismissed for 12 snapped up at second slip by Gregory Mahabir off the bowling of Jaggernauth, the pick of the  Trinidad and Tobago bowlers with four for 82 off 22 overs.

All-rounder Wilden Cornwall struck a quickfire 60 before he was clean bowled by Jaggernauth attempting a powerful drive through the covers. Junie Mitchum was the only other batsman to  get among the runs with 34. Veteran West Indies wicketkeeper batsman Ridley Jacobs, who like Williams has scored over 500 runs for the Leewards this season, steadied his team until the close with 26 not out. Fast medium bowler Adam Sanford was his partner at the close on 12 including two boundaries off the West Indies fast medium bowler Mervyn Dillon. (AP)