Barnes’ hundred drives strong Jamaica reply

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC): CAPTAIN BRAD Barnes slammed an attractive hundred as Jamaica made a spirited response to the Windward Islands on the second day of their second-round contest here yesterday.

Replying to a challenging first-innings total of 338 made by the Windwards, Jamaica ended on 304 for eight — only 34 runs short of the lead in the Regional Under-19 clash at Verchilds.

The innings was driven by Barnes’ fluent 106, while opener Darren Small missed out on triple figures with 87. Shalome Parnell got 24.

Needing a strong batting display to overhaul their target, the Jamaicans found impetus through Barnes and Small, both of whom anchored a number of partnerships to keep the innings going.

Small put on 55 for the first wicket with Shavar Christie (16) before adding a further 43 for the second with Andre McCarty (16).

Barnes then joined Small to post an enterprising 85 for the third wicket as Jamaica cruised to 183 for two at one stage.

All told, Barnes struck 10 fours and five sixes in an innings spanning 134 balls and just under 21¼2 hours. Small, meanwhile, faced 132 deliveries in 158 minutes and counted 13 fours.

When two wickets fell for 19 runs, to leave Jamaica on 202 for four, Barnes combined with Raewin Senior (17) in a 50-run, fifth-wicket stand to further energise the innings.

Lee Louisy was the best bowler with three for 90, while Daneal Dupigny (2-16) and Shermill Lewis (2-37) supported with two wickets apiece.

The Windwards had earlier lost their last four wickets for 21 runs after resuming on 317 for six, with McCarty picking up four for 27 and Kishawn Graham, three for 55.