Trinidad wins regional under-19 championship

Trinidad and Tobago took the three-day title in the Regional Under-19 Championship when they beat Jamaica by 10 wickets on the final day of the third and last round of the tournament in Kingstown, St. Vincent recently.

Set a paltry 58 for victory after dismissing Jamaica for 267 in the second innings.

In-form Chepas Cooper, who finished on an unbeaten 40 off 38 balls, took his team to victory.

Cooper, who struck seven fours and a six, ended the match without being dismissed after scoring a superb 173 not out in the first innings.

Another opener, Kirk McKenzie, also struck an excellent 129 as Jamaica lost just one wicket in the first session to stall T&T victory’s bid.

Resuming in the morning at the Arnos Vale Stadium on 54 with his side on 95 for three, McKenzie faced 186 balls in 162 minutes, striking 15 fours and three sixes.

His innings ended at 230 for five and Jamaica then collapsed quickly, losing their last six wickets for 37 runs.

Off-spinner Avinash Mahabirsingh proved the key for Trinidad and Tobago, taking five wickets for 90, while fellow slow bowler Navin Bidasie claimed two for 63.

Trinidad finished on 45.2 points with Barbados, which defeated Guyana by three wickets, placed second on 40.7 points.

Deposed champion Guyana trailed in third with 23.4 points with Jamaica also finishing on the identical number of points.

Trinidad ended the competition with two wins and a draw. Barbados also ended with two wins and a draw, but Trinidad earned more fast bowling points.