TT U-17s eke out win vs Leewards

There were also wins for the Windward Islands and Barbados in yesterday’s other fixtures.

At Shaw Park though, TT were given a real scare by the Leewards but had middle-order batsman Jerron Maniram to thank as he played a match-winning knock of 78 not out to steer them to victory. Replying to Leewards’ 183 all out, Maniram proved the backbone of the TT innings to see the home team past the finish line, closing on 184 for eight in 48 overs.

Batting first after winning the toss, the Leewards lost their first wicket with no runs on the board when Tyrone Williams was caught off the bowling of Clevon Kalawan. But the visitors responded well to the setback, with the next three batsmen accounting for 144 runs. Ross Powell (55) and Kasey Carty (55) both notched brisk half-centuries while Saeed Williams chipped in with 34. The TT bowlers fought back well, though, to limit the Leewards to below 200 with Bryan Boodram (3/31), Carl Vialva (2/17) and Varendra Jagroop (2/37) the main wicket- takers.

In reply, TT lost wickets regularly but Maniram proved the deciding factor with a mature innings that proved the difference. Battling with the tailenders, Maniram guided his team home to help them avoid the upset. Opener Boodram chipped in with a valuable 33 as TT limped home with two overs to spare. Off-spinner Philo Wallace, unrelated to the Bajan batsman of the same name, grabbed three for 27 while Miral Wadhwa had three for 33.

Speaking after the match, TT coach Dasrath Maharaj was a relieved man but commended his team for their determination.

“It was too close for comfort but there are some positives. The way our bowlers pulled things back after they have raced to 62 for one from ten overs was commendable. Our batsmen really had to dig in too when we lost our sixth wicket with about 90 runs still to get but we batted sensibly and ended up getting the runs,” he explained.

Summarised Scores: LEEWARDS 183 (50 overs) - Ross Powell 55, Kasey Carty 55, Saeed Williams 34, Bryan Boodram 3/31, Carl Vialva 2/17, Varendra Jagroop 2/37 vs TT 184/8 (48 overs) - Jerron Maniram 78 not out, Bryan Boodram 33, Philo Wallace 3/27, Miral Wadhwa 3/33.

GUYANA 105 (28.3 overs) - Shimron Hetmyer 40, Brandon Prasad 10, Daryl Cyrus 4/15, Brian Joseph 3/27 vs WINDWARDS 106/1 (15.1 overs) - Kyle Cabey 49 not out, Gidron Pope 32

JAMAICA 108 (38.4 overs) vs BARBADOS 109/4 (34.4 overs)

Round 2: Wednesday July 3

Trinidad & Tobago v Windward Islands – Louis D’or

Jamaica v Leeward Islands – Bon Accord

Barbados v Guyana – Shaw Park

Round 3: Thursday July 4

Trinidad & Tobago v Jamaica – Bon Accord

Windward Islands v Barbados – Shaw Park

Leeward Islands v Guyana – Louis D’or

Round 4: Saturday July 6

Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados – Bon Accord

Guyana v Jamaica – Shaw Park

Leeward Islands v Windward Islands – Louis D’or

Round 5: Sunday July 7

Trinidad & Tobago v Guyana – Louis D’or

Barbados v Leeward Islands – Bon Accord

Jamaica v Windward Islands – Shaw Park.