Bajan Under-13s on course to retain cricket title

Barbados remained on course to retain the overall title after romping to their third straight victory in the St Kitts 13-and-Under Cricket Festival yesterday.This time, Anguilla were at the wrong end of an eight-wicket victory.The chase started very cautiously with Barbados needing 104 runs in reply to Anguilla’s 103 for five. Captain and Man Of The Match Lee Gaskin paced the Barbados innings with a patient 45. He and Leniko Boucher featured in an opening stand of 74 before Gaskin fell. Six runs later, Akil Greenidge was run out for five in a mix-up with Boucher. There was no need to panic, however.Boucher and Deswin Currency, familiar batting partners at Wesley Hall Primary, came together and steadied the ship, cruising to victory with more than four overs to spare.Earlier, Anguilla won the toss and chose to bat on a placid pitch in ideal conditions, facing a Barbados team which rested Nicholas Kirton, Kion Harding, Shamar Springer and Ngozi Seale.BreakthroughSachin Clarke made the breakthrough for Barbados, snagging a return catch offered by Jaidel Richardson (22) on his follow through. Anguilla found the going tough after that partnership was broken at 44.They were pegged back by some accurate bowling although the Barbadians spilled two chances. Dmitri Adams was dropped on eight and went on to topscore with 29, while Rakesh Gokairani was unbeaten on 27 after being given a second life at ten.Debutant Najee Holder opened the bowling and allowed only 19 runs from his five overs, while off-spinner Tremaine Harris, also making his debut, took two wickets for seven runs.Barbados will have to keep an eye on Nevis who were unbeaten and scheduled to play Bermuda yesterday. If this holds through, Barbados will meet them at home in the final round on Saturday to decide the title.Today is a rest day for all of the teams and Barbados will play Bermuda at Molyneux tomorrow. Summarised scores: At Conarie: Anguilla 103-5 in 25 overs (D. Adams 29, R. Gokairani 27, J. Richardson 22; T. Harris 2-7). Barbados 104-2 in 15.5 overs (Lee Gaskin 45, L. Boucher 26 n.o., D. Currency 13 n.o.). Barbados won by eight wickets. (SAT)