Samuels Stars as J'ca Crush Leewards

West Indies middle order batsman Marlon Samuels led Jamaica to a commanding 104-run victory over the Leewards in their opening round Red Stripe Cup match at Kensington Park.

Samuels slammed a quickfire 73 and Jamaica reached 281 for seven off 50 overs. Samuels got support from Ricardo Powell (51) and Carlton Baugh (42) as the Jamaicans feasted on the Leewards bowlers. Samuels innings was laced with five sixes and four fours.

The Leewards got off to a blazing start with Alex Adams taking heavy toll on teenage pacer Jerome Taylor but once the Anguillan went for 36, it was all downhill. Captain Stuart Williams chipped in with 36 as the Leewards reached 177 for nine (Carl Tuckett retired hurt).

For Jamaica, pacers Darren Powell picked up two wickets.

In the other game, Antigua crushed the Young West Indies XI by eight wickets in a lopsided match at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG). The Under-19 side won the toss and elected to bat on a bouncy wicket. Everything afterwards was an embarrassment.

Wickets fell regularly as Anthony Lake (4 wickets) and Kerry Jeremy (3 wickets) ripped through the Young West Indies batting. A heavy shower stopped play after 23.2 overs with the Under-19 side tottering at 62 for nine.

With a rejiggered target of 50 from 30 overs needed for victory (Duckworth/Lewis), the Antiguans replied with 52 for two off 9.1 overs.