Saint Lucia’s bowlers delivered a fine performance to claim a 16-run victory against defending champions and hosts Grenada in their opening match of the Winlott Windward Islands Under-19 Championship at La Sagesse on Sunday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Saint Lucia posted 189 all out in 44.1 overs. The innings was anchored by 17-year-old Johnathan Daniel’s team-high 36 (46 balls, 6 fours), supported by valuable contributions from Kensley Paul (27), Isaiah Jones (23), and Khan Elcock (17).
Extras contributed 40, including a remarkable 28 wides, four byes and eight leg-byes.
Grenada’s Clevon Bartholomew led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 4-21.
The hosts’ reply got off to a shaky start, crumbling to 37-4 before Kirtsen Murray (49 off 50 balls, 3 fours and sixes each), whose innings was interrupted with cramps, and Kevin Bobb (33) staged a recovery. However, Saint Lucia’s Darvin Forde proved decisive, claiming 4-32 to earn Winlott Player of the Match honours. Grenada were eventually dismissed for 173 in 47.4 overs.
Saint Lucia’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Zanakki Louis (2-30), Bjorn Fanis (2-37), Yunieski Gustave (1-13) and Theo Edward (1-17) all contributing to the victory. The win marks a strong start to Saint Lucia’s campaign to reclaim the title they won consecutively in 2022 and 2023.
In Sunday’s other fixture, Dominica dominated St Vincent & the Grenadines with a comprehensive 172-run victory at Tanteen Recreation Ground. Saint Lucia were due to face St Vincent & the Grenadines in their next match on Monday.
