Leewards, Windwards chase final-four spot

Both sides are yet to win first innings points in their matches to date and they occupy the last two places in the standing, with the Leewards on nine points and the Windwards in the cellar position on six points.

A win for either would send them into one of the semi-final spots, with two rounds of matches still to play, as they would overtake defending champions Jamaica who have 12 points from four matches and who will be resting this weekend.

Sylvester Joseph’s Leewards cannot afford to slip up because they have played a match more than the Windwards’ two.

They will be aware that if they are to repeat last season’s appearance in the final, they will need at least first innings points or an outright win.

Leewards’ batsman and vice-captain Runako Morton, who is also expected to be in the New Zealand tour party, Joseph and all-rounders, Wilden Cornwall and Omari Banks, are expected to shoulder the batting responsibilities.

With fast bowler Adam Sanford seemingly coming into form and with support from Carl Simon and Gavin Tonge, the Leeward attack, which also features Banks’ off-spin, should be capable of dismissing their opponents twice.

Windwards’ captain Rawl Lewis, who will likely earn a recall to the West Indies team for the tour of New Zealand next month, will also want to lead his troops into the final.

Windies opener Devon Smith, looking for runs to boost his confidence ahead of the Kiwi trip, will be depended on heavily at the top while wicket-keeper/batsman Junior Murray and Craig Emmanuel, will also boost the middle order.