Windward Islands and Saint Lucia Kings pacer Keon Gaston shared five wickets with left-armer Aaron Joseph, and Jaden Elibox hit a half-century to steer Saint Lucia to victory in the opening match of their three-game 50-over Under-23 series against Dominica.
Put in to bat at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth, the home team were looking good on 76 without loss. But Gaston caught Dominica captain Stephan Pascal for 42 off the bowling of Joseph to end the only partnership of note for the lads from the Nature Isle.
Spinner Tarrique Edward trapped West Indies Under-19 player Earshinho Fontaine leg before wicket for a duck. Lee John did for opener Lluvio Charles. Joseph took Jedd Joseph for eight. And Malaki Xavier, the last player to score in double figures, went for 18 to Shawnil Edward, with the score 112-5.
Joseph had Dionnie Rolle run out for three, before Gaston got in on the act, removing Yawani Regis and Kyron Phillip for two each. Joseph gave Gaston another catch, this time Delaney Alexander for seven. Sherquan Toussaint was run out for five.
Dominica were all out for 139 in just 25 overs. Joseph, who took a five-fer against Dominica in Under-19 action last year, finished with 3-11 from five overs. Gaston had 2-16, also from five overs. Tarrique Edward conceded 23 runs for his one wicket in four overs.
Chasing 140, Saint Lucia lost captain Noelle Leo and Bolton Sayers in the first two overs. Throw Edward hit a run-a-ball 13, but departed by the fourth over.
But a stroke-filled 96-run partnership between Tarrique Edqward and Elibox saw Saint Lucia cruise to the target in 16.2 overs. Edward scored a run-a-ball 25, including two fours and a six, and Elibox needed only 45 balls to plunder an unbeaten 87, with nine sixes and three fours.
The action continues on Friday at Benjamin’s Park, with the second 50-over match.
