The Leeward Islands cricket team romped into the finals of the2000 Busta Cup after narrowly missing a well deserved victoryagainst Barbados at Kensington Oval this past weekend

Zach Kenworthy16-Feb-2000The Leeward Islands cricket team romped into the finals of the2000 Busta Cup after narrowly missing a well deserved victoryagainst Barbados at Kensington Oval this past weekend. However,winning first innings against a strong Barbados side in Barbadoswas more than enough to ensure a spot in the finals for theLeewards.Upon winning the toss, Barbados captain felt that his best optionwas to take the field. This initially proved a good decision asAnguillian Alex Adams and Sylvester Joseph (who both registerednoughts) were both out early as the Leewards stumbled to 10 for2. The Leewards were unable to put together any real partnershipsof substance as Runako Morton (60) and Warrington Phillip (34)top scored for the visitors as they accumulated a total of 190.Morton once again mixed aggression with some sensible strokeplayas he again announced to selectors that he should seriously beconsidered for the upcoming Cable and Wireless Test Series.Phillip on the other hand played a cameo innings that seriouslyaided his teams cause. When Barbados took to the crease theysurrendered to 148 all out. Griffith (18), Holder (18), Hinds(24), Hurley (18) and Bradshaw (18) all got starts but failed toproduce any noteworthy scores against a persistent LeewardIslands bowling attack. Ambrose was once again the pick of thebowlers with 5 for 39 from just 23 overs. His trainee, KerryJeremy also bowled well as he claimed 2 for 47.With a first innings lead of 42 the Leewards did not allowthemselves to feel too comfortable as they amassed one of thelargest totals of the tournament. Again Adams (4) lost his wicketearly, but this time it was to a brilliant forward short legcatch by Marshall. However, this early loss was compensated by asensible partnership between Dave Joseph (39) and Keith Arthurton(88). Arthurton played some brilliant cover drives and punchesoff the back foot as Joseph ably cemented himself at the otherend while battling his way to one of his better scores in adifficult season. Jacobs also batted well for his 39 as he andTuckett (59 not out) accumulated a 50 run partnership. The lateorder heroics, however, came from Warrington Phillip (45) whoagain contributed a meaningful innings to his team’s cause. Heand Tuckett shared in a stoic 84 run partnership that stunted allhopes that Barbados had for saving the match and their season.With an impossible fourth innings target of 403 from twosessions, Barbados attempted to salvage some pride and barelyjust did as they were 167 for 9 at the close. Holder played aresponsible innings as he fought his way to 66 not out, but itwas not enough to save his country’s season. Wilden Cornwalladded to his 2 first innings wickets with remarkable figures of 6for 53 from 23 overs.It was an impressive display by the Leeward Islands as they againproved that Barbados is one of their favourite hunting grounds.The Leewards can only wait now to see who will be victorious inthe other semi final that will be played this weekend in Jamaicabetween the hosts and Guyana. It is certain to be a heated climaxto a very eventful Busta Cup.