Trinidad and Tobago U17s denied shot at Rising Stars title

A BATTLING Windward Islands prevented TT from earning a victory and denied them the chance to lift the title in the final round of the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-17 Two-Day tournament.

TT ended second in the tournament with one win and two draws in the three rounds of competition. Barbados also ended with one win and a draw but picked up more bonus points to end on top.

TT also finished second in the rain-affected 50-over tournament with two victories from as many matches, only losing out on the title because Barbados got more bonus points. The last three rounds of the 50-over tournament were not played because of rain.

“We thought we had a good opportunity coming in today to push for an outright win on a placid wicket,” TT coach Rayad Emrit told Newsday.

“Credit goes to the Windward Islands batters, they stuck it out and they did not really give away their wicket.”

Recapping both the 50-over and two-day tournaments, Emrit said, “I thought the guys did excellent throughout the two tournaments. We played unbeaten, (but) still did not get over the line in either of the two tournaments, but there is always room for improvement.” Emrit said the catching could have been better and it “cost” the team.

He encouraged his players to continue their work ethic to match their talent. “There is a lot of potential in the future. As I just told them, potential will take you so far, but the hard work and the commitment is another story. There are a lot of guys who have been doing good things and they need to continue doing good things. This bunch of guys I hope can stay together because they are really hard-working, they take in information and we will see what we could do to take them to the next level.”

At the close of play on Thursday, Windward Islands closed their second innings on 155/4, a lead of 26 runs. TT were hoping for quick wickets to win the match, but the Windward Islands batsmen frustrated the TT bowlers.

Kirt Murray showed resistance hitting four fours in his innings of 53 off 122 deliveries and Kirsten Murray ensured TT could not pull off the win with 35 not out off 59 balls. Ishmael Ali (1/27), Jordan Mohammed (1/33) and Aneal Rooplal (1/32) took one wicket apiece for TT.

Earlier in the day, TT scored 239 all out in their first innings after resuming the day on 148/4. Alvin Sonny, batting at position three, was dismissed for 29 off 61 balls. He was ably assisted by multiple lower-order batsmen as Aadian Racha (21), Rooplal (19), Ali (18) and Alexander Chase (17) all contributed to the total.

Kirt was one of the players of the tournament as he almost single-handedly dismissed TT by grabbing 9/80 in 26.4 overs.

Summarised Scores:

WINDWARD ISLANDS 110 (Theo Edward 42, Khan Elcock 15; Jordan Mohammed 5/40, Ishmael Ali 3/11) and 155/4 (Kirt Murray 53, Kirtsen Murray 35 not out) vs TT 239 (Riyaad Mohammed 51, Luke Ali 47; Kirt Murray 9/80). Match Drawn.

JAMAICA 93 (Kev’Aundre Virgo 21, David Dewar 15; Xaveek Toppin 3/13, T’yanick Honore 2/4) and 185/5 (K Virgo 60, Tyriek Bryan 56, Brian Barnes 49; Mekaili Tonge 2/25, T’yanick Honore 2/18) vs LEEWARD ISLANDS 86 (Xaveek Toppin 15, Isra-el Morton 14; Ralique Thomas 4/18, Dantae Clarke 3/15) and 123 (T Honore 42; Ralique Thomas 5/66, Demarco Scott 3/10). Jamaica won by 69 runs.

BARBADOS 172 (Reviera Cottle 54, Jaden Webster 19; Matthew Pottaya 4/39, Golcharran Chulai 3/56) and 152/9 dec. (Zion Brathwaite 60, Joshua Branch 38; M Pottaya 6/55, G Chulai 3/41) vs GUYANA 90 (Kevin Kisten 33, Nityanand Mathura 13 not out; Kyron King 5/27, Zishan Motara 3/6) and 199/9 (Rampersaud Ramnuath 94, Romeo Deonarain 42; Z Motara 5/48, Jatario Prescod 2/39). Match Drawn.

Final Standings:

Barbados - 42

TT - 37.6

Jamaica - 35

Guyana - 31.2

Windwards - 24.8

Leewards - 16.2