da 888： The Leeward Islands cricket team made it up to their fans this weekend asthey romped to a innings victory over a strong Jamaican team at the AntiguaRecreation Ground
Zach Kenworthy08-Feb-2000The Leeward Islands cricket team made it up to their fans this weekend asthey romped to a innings victory over a strong Jamaican team at the AntiguaRecreation Ground. The Jamaicans fielded nine players who had played for theWest Indies at some point in their career and a wicket keeper who hadalready played for the West Indies `A’ team. To say that this was atremendous victory for the Leewards would be an understatement.Upon winning the toss, Leewards captain, Ridley Jacobs placed his opponentsin to bat on a wicket that was sure to aid his pacers early on. The decisionproved to be decisive as the mighty jamaicans were skittled out for just153. Only Robert Samuels (45) and Ricardo Powell (38) managed to puttogether substantial scores as star West Indian pacer Curtley Ambrose reekedhavoc on his home ground. Ambrose’s figures of 22 overs, 16 maidens, 4 for15 proved that he is still one of the greatest class acts around. Fellowpacer Carl Tuckett also chipped in with 3 for 32.In reply, the Leewards displayed their immense natural ability that hasbeen so rarely seen by their fans recently. After opener, Anguillian AlexAdams was caught, driving off the bowling of Franklyn Rose for just 17,Wilden Cornwall (70) and young Sylvester `Bouncin’ Joseph (32) put togethera 94 run partnership that stabalised the top order. However, the performerperformed again. Courtney Walsh was able to get the breakthrough as he hadJoseph playing on to his stumps. A flurry of quick wickets brought together21 year -old Runako Morton (110) and Ambrose (33) who shared in a 105 runpartnership. It proved to be the highlight of the match as young Mortonscored his maiden first class hundred. He mixed aggression with patience anddisplayed a fine array of strokes around the ground. His only scare was whenhe was missed stumped by Sinclair when he was on 99. A mistake that Mortonwill not want to repeat. Ambrose alerted his fans that he was still morethen useful with the bat as the Leewards amassed 338 all out. Both Walsh andLaurie Williams claimed three scalps.Facing a deficit of 185 was not going to be easy against a fired up LeewardIslands side that was hungry for a birth in the semi finals. The all paceattack of the Leewards proved too much for the Jamaicans to handle as theywere bowled out, yet again, under 200 for just 139. Antiguan Kerry Jeremycelebrated his 20th birthday with fine figures of 5 for 40. It was his firstfive-wicket hall in first class cricket and will definitely not be his last.Only Laurie Williams batted valiantly as he put together 50 before he wascaught and bowled by Tuckett. Ambrose again ended with miserly figures of 13overs, 2 for 7.It proved to be a total turnaround from last week’s display against theGuyanese and hopefully this win signals the start of a new feature inLeeward Islands cricket: consistency.