West Indies Domestic: Leewards romp into finals

The Leeward Islands cricket team romped into the finals of the 2000 Busta Cup after narrowly missing a well deserved victory against Barbados at Kensington Oval this past weekend. However, winning first innings against a strong Barbados side in Barbados was more than enough to ensure a spot in the finals for the Leewards.

Upon winning the toss, Barbados captain felt that his best option was to take the field. This initially proved a good decision as Anguillian Alex Adams and Sylvester Joseph (who both registered noughts) were both out early as the Leewards stumbled to 10 for 2. The Leewards were unable to put together any real partnerships of substance as Runako Morton (60) and Warrington Phillip (34) top scored for the visitors as they accumulated a total of 190. Morton once again mixed aggression with some sensible strokeplay as he again announced to selectors that he should seriously be considered for the upcoming Cable and Wireless Test Series. Phillip on the other hand played a cameo innings that seriously aided his teams cause. When Barbados took to the crease they surrendered to 148 all out. Griffith (18), Holder (18), Hinds (24), Hurley (18) and Bradshaw (18) all got starts but failed to produce any noteworthy scores against a persistent Leeward Islands bowling attack. Ambrose was once again the pick of the bowlers with 5 for 39 from just 23 overs. His trainee, Kerry Jeremy also bowled well as he claimed 2 for 47.

With a first innings lead of 42 the Leewards did not allow themselves to feel too comfortable as they amassed one of the largest totals of the tournament. Again Adams (4) lost his wicket early, but this time it was to a brilliant forward short leg catch by Marshall. However, this early loss was compensated by a sensible partnership between Dave Joseph (39) and Keith Arthurton (88). Arthurton played some brilliant cover drives and punches off the back foot as Joseph ably cemented himself at the other end while battling his way to one of his better scores in a difficult season. Jacobs also batted well for his 39 as he and Tuckett (59 not out) accumulated a 50 run partnership. The late order heroics, however, came from Warrington Phillip (45) who again contributed a meaningful innings to his team's cause. He and Tuckett shared in a stoic 84 run partnership that stunted all hopes that Barbados had for saving the match and their season.

With an impossible fourth innings target of 403 from two sessions, Barbados attempted to salvage some pride and barely just did as they were 167 for 9 at the close. Holder played a responsible innings as he fought his way to 66 not out, but it was not enough to save his country's season. Wilden Cornwall added to his 2 first innings wickets with remarkable figures of 6 for 53 from 23 overs.

It was an impressive display by the Leeward Islands as they again proved that Barbados is one of their favourite hunting grounds. The Leewards can only wait now to see who will be victorious in the other semi final that will be played this weekend in Jamaica between the hosts and Guyana. It is certain to be a heated climax to a very eventful Busta Cup.