Saunders and Baker cook up superb stand for Leewards as Guyana stumble

Aug 16, 2012 Sports

Bridgetown, Barbados — Leeward Islands enjoyed their best day of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Under-19 Three-Day Tournament as they batted into the record books yesterday, while Guyana stumbled badly and facing defeat by leaders Barbados.
Resuming the second day on 221-4, the Leewards made 423 against Trinidad and Tobago on a placid surface at Kensington Oval.
Captain Akeem Saunders made an outstanding 167, while Deno Baker made 109.

Akeem Saunders drives for four during his century against T&T against Kensington Oval

The pair added 254 runs for the fifth wicket – a record at this level. Saunders started the day on 68 and reached his century with a superb six over long-on into the Sir Garfield Sobers Pavilion. Overall, he batted for eight hours, faced 361 balls, and hit 16 fours and two sixes.
Baker started the day on 41 and was watchful throughout as he partnered his captain. He reached his maiden century with a glance to fine leg for a boundary. Overall his knock lasted 5 ¼ hours, came off 251 balls and included nine fours. Fast bowler Philton Williams took five wickets and was a livewire in the field to run out Saunders and Baker in the space of five overs.
Meanwhile, at Desmond Haynes Oval, leaders Barbados moved one step closer to capturing the title when they earned first innings lead over second-placed Guyana. A 10th-wicket stand of 61 between keeper Carlos Maynard and last man Chad Williams earned the Bajans a lead of 75. They pair batted well against left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who took 5-73. The Barbados fast bowlers then dismissed the Guyana openers in the closing stages to put the Guyanese under pressure going into the final day today.

Motie celebrates his 3rd Bdos Wicket

In the other match, Keone George made a determined 48 as he helped Windward Islands earn first innings lead over defending champs Jamaica at the Police Sports Complex. George batted for four hours and faced 149 balls on a day cut short by bad weather. Windwards closed the day with a one-run lead and seven wickets in hand.
Score summaries:
At Desmond Haynes Oval: Barbados vs Guyana
Guyana 136 all out (Shawn Pereira 33, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 25; Darnell Greenidge 3-28, Chad Williams 3-39, Akeem Jordan 2-24, Chaim Holder 2-34) and 1-2. Barbados 211 all out (Shayne Moseley 65, Carlos Maynard 50, Gudakesh Motie 5-73, Romario Shepherd 3-34)
At Weymouth: Jamaica vs Windward Islands
Jamaica 116 all out (Delbert Gayle 38, Brandon King 20; Kenneth Dember 6-45, Preston McSween 2-14) Windward Islands 117-3 (Keone George 48, Tarryck Gabriel 26 not out)
At Kensington Oval: Trinidad and Tobago vs Leeward Islands
Leewards 423 all out (Akeem Saunders 167, Deno Baker 109, Darren Hobson 53; Philton Williams 5-84). Trinidad and Tobago 92-1 (Jeremy Solozano 57 not out, Andy Gobin 22).