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By Samuel Peters
The Leeward Islands Under-19s suffered a heartbreaking five-run defeat to the Windward Islands Under-19s in their opening match of the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 Championship at Conaree Sports Club on Thursday.
Despite an outstanding bowling performance that restricted the Windward Islands to 124 all out in 29.5 overs, the Leeward Islands couldn’t quite get over the line in their chase, falling agonizingly short at 119 all out in 35 overs.
The Leeward Islands’ bowling attack was led superbly by leg-spinner Micah McKenzie, who claimed figures of five for 36 in 9.5 overs. McKenzie’s spell dismantled the Windward Islands middle and lower order, ensuring they were restricted to a modest total despite useful contributions from their top order.
Kunal Tilokani provided excellent support with three for 13 while captain Matthew Miller and Isra-el Morton each chipped in with a wicket. The bowling performance was disciplined and deserved a better result.
However, the Windward Islands found their heroes in the Murray brothers. Openers Stephan Pascal and Theo Edward both scored 21 runs each, with Pascal striking three boundaries and Edward also finding the fence three times. Earsinho Fontaine contributed 16 runs while wicket-keeper Lluvio Charles added 19 runs, including the innings’ only six. Kirsten Murray remained unbeaten on 15 runs to help their team reach 124.
In reply, the Leeward Islands never quite managed to build the partnerships needed to chase down the target. De-Antre Drew top-scored with 28 runs, showing patience and determination in his 53-ball knock, while Devanand Singh contributed a valuable 21 runs.
The difference proved to be the bowling of the Murray brothers for the Windward Islands. Kirt Murray was exceptional, claiming three for 19 runs in 10 economical overs, while Kirsten Murray supported with three for 23 runs. Darvin Forde also contributed three for 24 runs as the Leeward Islands lost wickets at regular intervals.
This narrow defeat will be particularly disappointing for the Leeward Islands, who had done the hard work with the ball to restrict their opponents to a chaseable total. The team will need to regroup quickly and focus on converting their bowling dominance into match-winning performances.
The Leeward Islands will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face the United States of America (2) on Sunday at St. Paul’s Park.
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