A dismal display with the bat consigned the Windward Islands to a massive defeat in the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-17 Two-Day Championship on Sunday. The Windwards were beaten by 244 by the Leeward Islands at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad & Tobago.
The only real bright spot for the Windwards was the bowling of Cody Fontinelle. The Mon Repos spinner took 6-96 from 23.3 overs in the Leewards’ first innings. Saint Lucians grabbed 12 of the 15 Leewards’ wickets to fall.
Fontinelle’s six-wicket haul stood out in part because of his durability. He was the only bowler to deliver more than 45 balls. His three maidens were second only to Tyler Venner’s four. Venner ended with two wickets for 32 runs in eight overs.
But the Leewards were able to ring up a total of 238 runs in 59.3 overs on the opening day. Kunal Tilokani hit 85 from 107 balls, with J’Quan Athanaze providing excellent support with 52 from 94 balls, and Lashorn Bergan contributing a solid 42 to build a formidable total.
The Windwards struggled in reply, reaching 74-8 at the close on the first day. Saint Lucia’s Jonathan Daniel top-scored with 34 (66 balls). Kassim Challenger and Tilokani took three wickets apiece.
Early on the second day, the Leewards wrapped up the innings for 74 all out in 29.3 overs. Daniel was one of just three players in double figures for the Windwards, whilst Tilokani finished with 5-11.
Batting a second time, the Leewards declared on 143-5, a lead of 306. Athanaze was unbeaten on 55; fast bowler Bjorn Fanis took 4-25 from seven overs.
In their second innings, the Windwards were routed for 63, lasting 31.2 overs. Tilokani took a second five-wicket haul, this time conceding just nine runs. He has taken 18 wickets in two matches.
The Windwards conclude the two-day competition on Wednesday and Thursday at the Queen’s Park Oval. They will face Barbados, winners by an innings over Jamaica, on Sunday.
