Melius, Pope lift Windwards to victory

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Half-centuries from Captain Kimani Melius and Tijourn Pope steered Windward Islands to a comfortable 46-run victory over Jamaica on the Duckworth/Lewis method in the rain-hit opening round of the Regional Under-15 Championship here Friday.

Opting to bat first at the National Stadium at Providence, the Windwards rattled up 204 for eight off their allotted 45 overs, with Melius stroking 79 and Pope getting 56.

Roberto Simpson (2-30) and Romaine Jacob (2-45) picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, Jamaica were restricted to 161 for eight off their 45 overs, with Geordae Seymour top-scoring with 41 not out, Zavier Burton hitting 24, and Kirk McKenzie, 21.

Jahseon Alexander was the best bowler with three for 29, while Simeon Gerson claimed two for 27.

The contest was the only one where play was possible, as the match at Enmore between Leeward Islands and Barbados and the fixture between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago at Albion Sports Complex were both rained out.

At the National Stadium Windwards flourished early on, however, as Melius dominated a 51-run opening stand off 50 balls with Dhan-rah Cephal who managed just four.

Melius faced 63 balls and struck 11 fours and a six, but was one of three wickets to fall for 30 runs as the Windwards slipped to 114 for four.

However, Pope took responsibility for the remainder of the innings, hitting six fours in a 92-ball knock.