Paul, Sevory save it for hosts

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – A century stand between Keemo Paul and Kemol Savory helped hosts Guyana earn a draw against Leeward Islands in the Regional Under-19 Tournament on Thursday here.

Paul struck a top score of 90 and Sevory weighed in with 36, as Guyana, trailing by 72 on first innings, were dismissed for 214 late on the final day of their first round match in the 3-Day competiton at the National Stadium, ensuring a stalemate in the contest.

Paull and Sevory propped up the innings with a seventh-wicket stand worth 103 after Guyana had crashed to 106 for six.

The right-handed Paul struck 15 fours in a 123-ball knock that consumed nearly three hours before he was seventh out with the score on 211 and the draw all but secured.

Off-spinner Shaquille Martina was the best bowler for the Leewards with 4-49 from 18.3 overs, fast-medium bowler Alzarri Joseph picked up 2-30 from 12 overs and Colin Archibald grabbed 2-32 from seven overs.

Earlier, the Leewards were dismissed for 342 in their first innings, after resuming the day on 300 for eight.

Sharaz Ramcharran claimed 3-57 from 29 overs, while Daniel Basdeo and Steven Sankar collected two wickets apiece.

Leewards emerged from the contest slightly better off, earning 8.3 points while Guyana picked up 8.1 points.

Leewards play Jamaica at the Demerara Cricket Club in the next round, when Guyana meet Windward Islands at Everest.