Leewards come up short again!

The Leeward Islands are once again scrapping the bottom of the barrel after a keenly contested match Busta Cup match this past weekend at the Antigua Recreation Ground. In an attempt to stir up some motivation within the team, the selectors made a few changes that proved to be of no use. Stuart Williams, due to injury, and Colin Cannonier, due to personal circumstances, were replaced by Anguillian Alex Adams and Antiguan Wilden Cornwall. Ricky Christopher also made his debut after the in form Carl Tuckett fell sick with fish poisoning.

Upon winning the toss, Guyanese captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul asked the Leewards to bat on a pitch that looked as if it would help the pacers early. This proved to be a wise decision as the first three wickets fell for just 54 runs. Adams (14) and Cornwall (22) were both impatient and were caught off the bowling of Reon King. Wickets fell at regular intervals as both King (4 for 40) and Mahendra Nagamootoo (4 for 51) bowled with venom and rip. Only a 64 run partnership between skipper Ridley Jacobs (60) and Warrington Phillip (33) added some respectability to the Leeward,s scorecard of 221 all out.

In Reply the Guyanese started badly. Nicholas DeGroot was struck by Ambrose and it was confirmed overnight that his hand was broken and his fellow opener Azemul Haniff was dismissed for just 4. Quite similarly to the Leeward's first innings wickets fell regularly. Only Keith Semple (51) and captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul (83) managed substantial scores. Semple batted with grit and determination and Chanderpaul looked like he was regaining form as he grew in confidence with every shot he played. Despite his class display, Chanderpaul,s men were dismissed well short of the Leeward,s first innings total for just 204. Christopher took 4 for 47 on his debut and was ably supported by fellow pacer Kerry Jeremy who claimed 3 scalps.

In an attempt to build on their first innings lead, the Leeward Islanders lost their footing and crashed to 136 all out. It was another poor batting display by some talented men. The only partnership of any merit was between openers Adams (34) and Cornwall (21) who were both dropped early. Adams, however, was questionably adjudged lbw by umpire Eddie Nicholls and looked somewhat dejected as he trailed back to the pavillion. King (3 for 43) once again bowled well and Nagamootoo took his match tally to 8 wickets as he claimed 4 for 45.

A target of 154 runs was never going to be easy in the fourth innings of a match and Curtly Ambrose once again proved his worth with magnificent figures of 5 for 39 from 34 overs. Makeshift opener Neil McGarrel proved a success as he scored a determined 54 and was well aided by Chanderpaul who scored 31. In the end it was to be Guyana's day as pacer Colin Stewart guided the ball down to the third man boundary of Jeremy with DeGroot at the other end with a broken hand.

It was once again a disappointment for the Leewards as they sank to 5th place in a 6-team tournament. With one match to play, it may be time for some young, fresh legs to take the field. However, it seems very unlikely that any changes will be made at all. Isn't it a pity?