A magnificent second-innings fightback, headlined by a sensational century from teenage opener Theo Edward, saw Saint Lucia secure a hard-fought draw against the Commonwealth of Dominica in the Windward Islands 3-Day Men’s Championship at Tanteen Recreation Ground in St George’s, Grenada on Tuesday.
Though he was supported by Stephen Naitram, Dominic Auguste, Tarrique Edward, and Lee John, Edward, the Windward Islands Under-19 captain, was the standout performer of the series, as the only man to get into triple figures.
Dominica won the toss and elected to bat, getting to 250 all out early on Monday morning. Tarrique Edward finished with spectacular figures of 4-42 from 11.4 overs. Tyrel Chicot’s 2-50 helped Saint Lucia restrict Dominica.
The first turn with the bat proved to be a major hurdle, as Saint Lucia was bundled out for 171, giving away a 79-run first-innings lead. Kyron Phillip took 4-40 to trump Edward’s bowling performance. Jaden Elibox played a cameo of 37 runs off just 16 balls, blasting five fours and two sixes. Lee John added a patient 24 off 50 balls.
Determined to set a massive target, Dominica looked to pile on the runs in their second innings. Lee John stepped up for Saint Lucia, delivering a tight spell to claim 4-52 in 17 overs. Edward chipped in with 2-59, but Dominica still managed to get to 295 all out, leaving Saint Lucia with a mountain to climb to save the match.
Chasing an improbable victory or batting for survival, Saint Lucia’s second innings began in the best possible fashion. Openers Theo Edward and Dominic Auguste put on a masterclass, staging a phenomenal 152-run opening partnership.
Edward was simply unstoppable, smashing a glittering 118 runs off 126 deliveries. His aggressive knock included 16 boundaries and four massive sixes, completely rattling the Dominican bowling attack.
Dominic Auguste played the perfect foil, anchoring the innings with a gritty, resilient 51 off 102 balls that included six fours and a six.
Batting at four, the veteran Stephen Naitram compiled a brilliant, unbeaten 54 off 55 balls with four fours and three sixes, steadying the ship and ensuring Saint Lucia safely reached 258-7 when the match concluded in a draw.
Dominica threatened a late comeback when Jahseon Alexander triggered a mini-collapse, taking 4-69 as Saint Lucia slipped from 152-0 to 201-6. Only five bowlers produced fourfers across the two matches. The other contest, between St Vincent & the Grenadines and home team Grenada, also ended in a draw.
Attention now turns to the Super50 tournament, where Saint Lucia are the defending champions.
Match Summary
Dominica 1st Innings: 250-10 (63.4 Ov)
Saint Lucia 1st Innings: 171-10 (32.2 Ov)
Dominica 2nd Innings: 295-10 (70.5 Ov)
Saint Lucia 2nd Innings: 258-7 (60.0 Ov)
