Barbados go under to Guyana

Despite the last-minute fight back of their lower order, Barbados succumbed to the combined efforts of Guyana and suffered their first defeat in the 2002 Regional Under-15 cricket tournament yesterday.

After suffering a middle order collapse, Barbados, chasing a target of 211 to secure their second consecutive victory, were struggling on 126 for eight at the Gilbert Park ground in central Trinidad.

But intelligent and careful batting by their Nos. 9 and 10, Javon Searles and Gary Belle, gave them a temporary glimmer of hope.

The pair added a valuable 47 for the ninth-wicket, but the task was always going to be a tough one.

When Searles was stumped by the big and vociferous Guyanese wicket-keeper Tyrell Tull for 42, it was virtually over for the spirited Barbados team.

Searles' innings included five fours and a six.

Last man Steve Pinder kept company with Belle until the completion of the 50 overs.

Three of Barbados' four batsmen made it to the 20s without going on to get a major score.

Captain Nicholas Squires made 21 with three sixes and a four, while left-hander Omar Phillips, who hit 84 in Barbados' 144-run win against Jamaica on Saturday, was run out for 32 that included four boundaries.

Jed Yearwod, batting at No. 4, also chipped in with 22.

Earlier, Guyana, having won the toss, reached 210 for eight with the help of some sloppy fielding by Barbados.

Six chances went abegging after Guyana lost two early wickets.

Off-spinner Belle and fast bowler Andre Gill bowled economically, but left-arm spinner Steve Pinder was lashed for 59 runs from his 10 overs.

In another match, two-time defending champions Trinidad and Tobago defeated Jamaica by seven wickets at Monroe Road.

It was the second successive victory for the hosts.

Windward Islands registered their first win by defeating Leeward Islands by 62 runs at Barataria Oval.

The tournament continues tomorrow after today's rest day.