Montserrat recorded a surprise three-run win over Antigua and Barbuda in what was a warm up match in the NAGICO/Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament on Thursday at the Warner Park in St. Kitts. Montserrat batting first scored 216 runs for 8 from 50 overs, while Antigua and Barbuda could only muster 213 all out in 49.1 overs. Montserrat's Captain Lionel Baker scored 58 runs, Jaison Peters 43 and McPherson Meade 37. Bowling for Antigua and Barbuda Vincent Shadrach started an onslaught finishing with 3 for 44 and Mali Richards 3 for 48.In Antigua and Barbuda's inning, Justin Athanaze scored 68 runs, seven of which were boundaries; Hayden Walsh Jr. 31 and Juari Edwards 26. Bowling for Montserrat Tevin Osbourne 3 for 38and McPherson Meade 2 for 46.
In the second match of the day at the Conaree Cricket Grounds in St. Kitts, St. Kitts pulled of a one wicket win over Nevis. Having won the toss, Nevis chose to bat and scored 195 runs all out in 43.5 overs. Tonito Willet scored 58 runs and Carlon Smithen and Javia Liburd 32 runs each to round out Nevis' inning. Bowling for St. Kitts Steve Liburd had 2 for 25, Elsroy Powell 2 for 27, Elvin Berridge 2 for 41 and Calvin Williams 2 for 47.
In reply, St. Kitts made 197 for 9 off 45.3 overs. Jacques Taylor cracked 45 runs not out, Steve Liburd 38 and Calvin Williams 30. Bowling for Nevis Jason Campbell scored 5 for 41and Nelson Bolan 2 for 43.St. Kitts batsman Steve Liburd lauded Captain Jacques Taylor for his knock of 45 runs but said they are still issues with the team's fielding. "We still need to do some work on our fielding. Even though we won today, the fielding wasn't up to scratch," Liburd said, noting that they will be working on this aspect of their game. He nevertheless applauded his teammates for their work. "The win today came from an all round team effort," he said. St. Kitts lost to Nevis in the opening match on Sunday in Nevis. "We bowled well and playing at the Conaree grounds you need at least 300 to be competitive," Liburd added.
Friday is a rest day for the teams and games are expected to resume Sunday in St. Kitts. St. Kitts will on home soil take on Anguilla, while defending champions Antigua and Barbuda play the British Virgin Islands also in St. Kitts. Games also continue Monday with Montserrat versus Nevis in Nevis and St. Maarten vs. St. Kitts on St. Kitts.
