by Louis Holder in Guyana

DESPITE the vain and valiant efforts of Barbados' bowlers, Guyana managed to secure first innings lead in the regional under-19 cricket championship match at Bourda yesterday.

The first innings advantage has virtually seized the 2006 TCL Group Challenge Cup, symbol of supremacy at the junior level, for the home team, who ended the second day at 262 for seven, well clear of Barbados' 213.

Without the services of their ace fast bowler, Kemar Roach, for most of the day's play, the Barbados bowlers performed admirably in the circumstances, but could not prevent Guyana from gaining the upper hand.

Roach, who has been impressive in the tournament, was once again threatening to create havoc among his opponents, when in his fifth over of the day, he apparently stepped into a hole at the northern end, and in the process, sustained a muscle strain to the lower back.

It was a major blow to Barbados, as Roach, who collected the first three scalps, was not able to take any further part in the day's proceedings.

"It was an unfortunate incident and actually dented our chances of being able to obtain first innings honours. We took him to a doctor where he was diagnosed with a muscle strain to his lower back," said manager Livy Coppin.

Guyana, continuing at 59 for two overnight, suffered an early setback when Mohindra Boodram was comprehensively beaten and bowled by Roach for nine. The Barbadians would have been hoping for more success quickly, but it was not to be.

Led by some stubborn batting from Gajanand Singh, they offered plenty of resistance. When Singh was eventually run out for a well-played 65, (nine fours), captain Steven Jacobs, with a couple of first-class matches to his name, took up the mantle and along with Rajendra Chandrika, kept Guyana afloat.

At lunch, they reached 141 for four, but after the break both batsmen fell in quick succession, and at 177-6, Barbados still had a real chance. However, they suffered a further setback when pacer Kevin McClean, who had accounted for Chandrika (26) and Troy Gonsalves (12) suffered a hamstring injury.

Left-hander Krisna Deosaran, with an unbeaten 65 and wicket-keeper Maxwell Gengesson, were then associated in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand which has virtually sealed the title for Guyana.

Today's proceedings seem a mere formality with Barbados having to console themselves with being second best for the third straight year.