Collins takes Barbados closer to title

Barbados marched to a ten-wicket win against defending champions Jamaica, in Trinidad, thanks to some menacing bowling from Pedro Collins. Reeling at 65 for 4 at stumps the previous day, Jamaica were put under the cosh early on. Any hopes they had rested with captain Tamar Lambert and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh, but with Collins dismissing the latter for 19, the innings went downhill. The left-arm fast bowler finished with a five-for, and was well supported by offspinner Sulieman Benn, who bagged four wickets. With Jamaica bowled out for 120, Barbados openers Dale Richards and Kraigg Braithwaite knocked off the remaining runs and took them to 57 points, nine ahead of Jamaica. With a bye for the final round, Barbados are now favourites to clinch the crown.

Jamaica are the only other team in the running for the title and they meet Trinidad and Tobago in the final round at home this weekend. Barbados though, will be banking on T&T to prevent an outright Jamaica win in order to pick up the title.

Adrian Barath continued his comeback from injury, and helped Trinidad & Tobago close in on victory against Windward Islands in Port of Spain. Barath followed up his first-innings half-century with 79 in the second, as T&T, leading by 75 runs, declared their second innings on 297 for 6. He struck six fours and two sixes during his 174-ball stay and T&T then tightened their grip on the match when Windwards, chasing a tough target, were reduced to 129 for 5 at close. All five T&T bowlers used snared a wicket each, as Andre Fletcher top scored for the visitors with 42.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's 52nd first-class hundred combined with purposeful bowling had Guyana on course for their first win in the last three seasons. Chanderpaul completed a typically resolute, undefeated 105, as Guyana were bowled out for 287, replying to Leeward Islands' first-innings total of 192 at the National Cricket Centre. Legspinner Devendra Bishoo then led Guyana's bowling charge with 4 for 46 as Leewards were sent packing for 192 in their second innings. Guyana, chasing a modest target of 98, nervously slipped to 49 for 3 at stumps.