Unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago U-17s beat Leewards

Trinidad and Tobago U-17 cricket team survived a mini-collapse against Leeward Islands to secure a five-wicket victory in the Cricket West Indies Rising Starts U-17 Championship on Monday at the Inshan Ali Park, Preysal, Couva.

It was the second straight win for the national team who beat Windward Islands in their opening match on Saturday.

TT won the toss and inserted Leewards to bat, and the visitors were bundled out for 110 in 33.4 overs. The leading run-scorer was Deantre Drew with 22 from 53 balls while wicket-keeper/batsman Eirate Richards added 13 from 27.

Aadian Racha was the pick of the TT bowlers capturing four wickets for only 11 runs from 6.4 overs. Ismael Ali was also unplayable taking 3/13 in his six overs.

Owing to several rain interruptions, TT's target was revised to 115 in 35 overs. The home team started off well with the opening partnership of Luke Ali and Riyaad Mohammed adding 45 runs before Mohammed was out lbw by Ozan Williams for 14. Alvin Sonny joined Ali and they added 33 more runs to set the hosts on course for a comfortable victory.

But when Sonny was out lbw to Williams to make it 78/2, TT began to wobble losing three wickets in quick succession, including the set batsman of Luke Ali who made 40 from 67 delivers.

Despite Jevon Manners (2/10) denting the middle order, TT were just 25 runs adrift of victory at 90 for five. Captain Fareez Ali (20 not out) and Cristian Rampersad (four not out) shared an unbeaten partnership to reach the target score of 115 in 30.3 overs.

TT and Barbados are the two remaining unbeaten teams after two matches.

Playing at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain Couva, Guyana defended a low score to win by 29 runs over Jamaica. The Guyanese batted first and totalled a modest 133 all out in 43.4 overs.

Captain Jonathan Vanlange top scored for his team with 41 from 54 balls. Nicolas Shiopersaud had a patient 27 runs from 88 balls and opening batter Kevin Kisten added 18 crucial runs. Demarco Scott was the main destroyer for the Jamaicans grabbing a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/11 in 6.4 overs. He was assisted by opening bowlers Danta Clarke (3/42) and Roshawn McKenzie (2/13).

In reply, the Jamaicans were skittled out for 104 in 24.2 overs after seemingly cruising at 77/2.

Wicket-keeper/batter Tyriek Bryan shared in a 75-run partnership with all-rounder Scott for the second wicket. Bryan was out for an aggressive 35 from 40 balls while Scott made 27 runs.

Captain Brian Barnes added 20 runs while no other batter had a score above two runs in a disappointing collapse by the Jamaicans. Gulcharran Chulai was exceptional with the ball picking up 5/24 and alongside Matthew Pottaya (3/13) spun the match into the Guyanese team's favour.

Barbados won by three wickets against Windward Islands in a nervy encounter at Gilbert Park, Couva to remain unbeaten in the tournament. Windwards were asked to bat by the Bajans, and they scraped to a total of 123 all out in 43.2 overs. Kirt Murray made 41 runs and lower-order batter Devonte Mc Dowall added 25 crucial runs. For the bowlers, Kyron King and Shaquan Belle snatched three wickets apiece.

The Barbadians stumbled across the line to reach 125/7 in 33.1 overs. Gadson Bowens (37) and Jaden Webster (21) were the leading scorers. Murray followed up his top score in the match with top bowling figures of 4/18 in his allotted ten overs.

Round three of the tournament bowls off on Wednesday.

Round three fixtures:

TT vs Jamaica (National Cricket Centre, Couva, 9.30am)

Winward Islands vs Guyana (Gilbert Park, California, 9.30am)

Leeward Islands vs Barbados (Inshan Ali Park, Preysal, 9.30am)