CARIB CARLTON pulled off a remarkable two-wicket victory over ICBL Empire in the final of the Cable & Wireless Pitch Testing Invitational Tournament at Kensington Oval yesterday.

It was Empire's only defeat in one-day cricket this year.

Carlton, set 234 runs for victory, recovered from the dire straits of 37 for five, after West Indies Under-19 pacer Javon Searles ripped through their top-order with a five-wicket burst, to win with 12 balls to spare and pocket the first prize of $3 000.

Kurt Wilkinson, who hit eight fours and two sixes in a knock of 79, started the revival in a sixth-wicket partnership of 89 with 17-year-old Richard Greaves, who scored 25 in a supporting role before he was run out.

Wicket-keeper Carlo Morris, batting at No. 8 because of a niggling injury, steered the team home with an unbeaten 64, as he featured in an eighth-wicket partnership of 70 with veteran Roger Moore after Carlton were on 147 for seven.

Searles finished with five for 34 and old-stager Sherlon Greaves took two for 29, but the other Empire bowlers lacked penetration.

Earlier, Empire, sent in, reached 233 for seven in their allotted 50 overs through the efforts of Ryan Hinds, who got 56 including six fours, and opener Jamal Smith, who made 41, including five boundaries. (LH/EZS)