The Leeward Islands cricket team cruised to a comfortable victory this past Wednesday at the Antigua Recreation Ground in Antigua over the Bermuda National side. Upon winning the toss, the Ridley Jacob led Leewards elected to field. It proved to be a profitable decision by the West Indian wicketkeeper as the Bermudans were quickly reduced to an unrecoverable 31 for 5 with Goldwyn Prince and Kerry Jeremy ripping into their top order. A mini recovery was then staged, however, as Janeiro Tucker (57) and Wendell White (14) managed to put together a 63 run partnership for the sixth wicket.

The Leeward Islands bowling attack proved to be too much, in the end, for the Bermudans as they crumbled to a modest total of 129 all out from 46 overs. Pacer Goldwyn Prince, was the main culprit as he tore the heart out of the Bermudan batting order with a fiery match spell of 4 for 22 from 10 overs. Young Antiguan and West Indies pacer, Kerry Jeremy, also slotted into the bowling action as he grabbed 3 for 27 from his allotted 10 overs. Both off-spinner, Anthony Lake and left- armer, Keith Arthurton claimed a wicket apiece.

In reply, the Leewards cruised, despite loosing a few wickets on the way, to a total of 133 for 5. Wilden Cornwall (21), Stuart Williams (14), Runako Morton (11) and Stlvester Joseph (13) all lost their wickets in the victory as did Dave Joseph who contributed 36. However, veteran Keith Arthurton (30 not out) and skipper Ridley Jacobs (0 not out) saw their side to victory as the Leewards wrapped up a comfortable victory in their first effort of the 2000 Red Stripe Bowl.

The Leewards only match in Anguilla takes place on Sunday the 15th against the Windwards. The Leewards will be without star Anguillian cricketers Alex Adams and Omari Banks, who from an Anguillian point of view were unfortunately not selected. However, the Leewards, hopefully can carry on with their good form and produce a winning season.

© The Anguillian