CRICKET: Guyana and Trinidad also in semi finals

by Oscar Ramjeet

 Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the semi final when the home team defeated Jamaica in a thrilling match, and the boys from Calypso land edged out Leeward Islands last Sunday in the Co-operative Republic in Guyana.

In the Guyana and Jamaica encounter, Jamaica batted first and scored 234 for 5. Nineteen year old Xavier Marshall hit a magnificent 125 not out -- hammering 24 fours and 3 towering sixes. The youngster was associated in a 84 opening partnership with Windies opener Chris Gayle who scored 35.

In reply Guyana found themselves in trouble, Windies middle order batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, but the two spinners, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Neil Mc Garrell played the role as batsmen and assisted in the home team's victory.

In the other match Trinidad and Tobago defeated Leeward Islands in yet another exciting match.

Trinidad and Tobago batted first and scored 219 with DInesh Ramdin top scored with 41 and skipper Darren Ganga 37.

In reply Leeward Islands were dismissed for 2ll - 8 runs from their target despite a splendid 87 from Runako Morton who batted extremely well durint the tournament. Morton struck 3 fours and 4 towering sixes.

Opening batsman Alex Adams scored 51.

The Guyana leg of the tournament has ended and the points standing as follows:

Barbados 15, Windward Islands 14, Guyana 12, Trinidad and Tobago 12, Jamaica 8 and Leeward Islands 4.

Guyana will meet with Windward Islands in one of the semi final and Barbados will take on Trinidad and Tobago in the other semi final which will take place in Barbados.

The winners in the two semi final will meet in the final at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.