Hooper sends 117 signals

Carl Hooper sounded a timely reminder that he is ready for a return to international cricket with a majestic 117 not out as Guyana took control over Trinidad and Tobago on Day 2 of their Fifth Round Busta Cup match atthe Enmore Community Centre, yesterday.

At the close of an absorbing day's play, Guyana were 314 for six - a lead of 208 onfirst innings.

The elegant Hooper treated the more than5 000 spectators to an array of dazzling strokes to all parts of the field.

The Guyana total was also boosted by a solid 75 from the consistent Ramnaresh Sarwan, who had earlier laid the platform with in form Travis Dowlin (58) from which Hooper later launched his assault to record his eighth regional century.

Hooper came in at the dismissal of Sarwan and unleashed a number of breathtaking shots. At tea, he was on 63, already with two sixes, and by the close took his tally of runs inthe tournament to 493. It was his second century following his 159 againstBarbados.

West Indies B (140 & 215) lost to Leewards (333 & 20-0) by ten wickets

At Guaracara Park, Trinidad: Leeward Islands flattened West Indies B in a ten-wicket victory on Day 3, yesterday.

The Leewards bowled out the young West Indians just before tea, and then set the simple task of scoring 18 to win, earned their third victory of the season. The result made the Leewards provisional tournament leaders on 42 points, pending the outcome of the Jamaica vs England A match.

The 17-year-old Narsingh Deonarine made a fighting 73 for West Indies B, while Wayne Phillip, run out for 19, and Sulieman Benn, 31, with a six and two fours, tried to help.

Jamaica 174 & 70-2 vs England A 188

At Sabina Park, Kingston: Jamaica and England A are locked in a keen tussle for full points, after the visitors eked out a close 14-run first innings lead on Day 2, yesterday. Jamaica were 56 runs ahead - with Chris Gayle not out on 39.

Openers Leon Garrick and Gayle gave Jamaica a solid start with drives and pulls to the boundary with ease, until Garrick fell to a diving Vikram Solanki at second slip, his 18th catch of the season.

For Jamaica, veteran fast bowler Courtney Walsh and off-spinner Gareth Breese took three wickets a piece to keep Jamaica in the match.