Powell puts Leewards in front

Georgetown, Guyana — Ross Powell hit the first hundred of this year’s Regional Under-19 Tournament and powered Leeward Islands to a first innings lead over hosts Guyana on Wednesday here.

The opener gathered a resolute 130 to anchor the Leewards to 300 for eight in their first innings at the close on the second day of the first round match at the Guyana National Stadium for a lead so far of 30.

Kacey Carty supported with 64 and Leewards captain Jeremiah Louis was not out on 49, as the sub-regional side deflated the home team with purposeful batting.

Sharaz Ramcharran has been the pick of the Guyana bowlers with 2-45 from 22 overs and Steven Sankar grabbed 2-71 from 28 overs.

Powell shared 97 for third wicket with Carty, after Leewards lost night-watchman Shaquille Martina in the first hour for six, trapped lbw to Sankar.

After Carty was bowled by Keemo Paul, the Leewards wobbled to 201 for five before Powell found Louis another steady ally and they put on 53 for the sixth wicket to put their side within reach of the lead.

Powell reached his hundred during this period before his dismissal triggered a late slide that saw three wickets fall for 19 before Louis and Colin Archibald batted through the remainder of the day and took Leewards to triple-century mark.