TT U-19s just fail in victory attempt

Resuming at their overnight 29 for one, only nine runs ahead on second innings, Jamaica slipped to 113 for eight before recovering well to reach 174 for eight declared.

Set 155 to win in a minimum of 34 overs, TT reached 109 for three to ensure a draw in the encounter.

Jamaica owed their recovery to an unbroken stand of 61 in 59 minutes between Cordel Simpson who hit 38 not out, and leg-spinner Marcelle Parchment who finished unbeaten on 12.

TT seemed well in control as spinners Vishan Ramroop, with three for 34 and Sunil Narine, three for 46, wrecked the Jamaican batting.

Jamaica lost first innings top-scorer Andre Creary (14), skipper Jamie Trenchfield (six) and Sheldon Powell (three) all to the bowling of left-arm spinner Visham Ramroop, while off-spinner Narine accounted for the hard-hitting Shacoya Thomas (three). Marlon Johnson (60) and all-rounder Rasheed Outar (12) took the fight to the spin and pace attack employed by skipper Narine, as Jamaica moved to 100 for five at lunch, a lead of 80 runs.

On resumption, TT snapped up quick wickets with Outar leg-before to pacer Jeewan Ramroop and Johnson caught by close-in fielder Timothy off Narine, after batting 171 minutes and facing 126 deliveries for his 60 which included six fours.

Wickets then fell steadily until Simpson and Parchment steadied the innings with their crucial partnership.

With TT facing a nervous final session, the left-handed Darren Bravo hit an unbeaten 40 and Akiel Timothy 20 not out, to avert any hiccups for the defending champions. Summarised scores: JAMAICA 207 and 174 for eight declared - Marlon Johnson 60, Cordel Simpson 38 not out, Vishan Ramroop 3/29, Sunil Narine 3/46 vs TRINIDAD and TOBAGO 227 and 109 for three - Darren Bravo 40 not out, Akiel Timothy 20 not out, Marcel Parchment 2/39. (CMC)