GROS ISLET–The Windward Islands showered themselves in glory after pulling off an emphatic seven-wicket win over the Leeward Islands to ensure their capture of the 2010 TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge title yesterday. Chasing 135 for victory on the final day of the final round of matches, the Windwards coasted to victory just before tea at the Beausejour Cricket Ground to complete a superb campaign.
Kavem Hodge stroked an unbeaten 69 as the Windwards romped to 137 for three in 43 overs. The leading Windwards batsman in the tournament with a century earlier in the tournament, Hodge stroked nine fours and faced 103 balls in a responsible knock. Rudolph Paul was undefeated on 20 when victory was posted while Emmanuel Peter, who featured in a crucial third wicket stand of 82 with Hodge, contributed 22. The Windwards stuttered early in their chase when opener Denis Smith was leg-before to Jamal Fernandez for 12.
His opening partner Atticus Browne failed to get off the mark, spooning a catch to Nino Henry at mid on off Damian Williams that left the Windwards struggling at 17 for two. However, Hodge and Peter combined in a match-winning stand to steer their side to within sight of victory. The victory took the Windwards to 39 points in the championship, having gone into the final round as leaders on 27 points.
