While the West Indies under 19 team lost their second encounter with Northern Districts A at Blake Park on Friday, January 8, the match gave the visitors valuable game time before the ICC under 19 World Cup kicks off in a week.

File Graphic.

Batting first, the West Indies lost a couple of early wickets, before skipper Andre Creary arrived at the crease to turn the momentum. Batting at four, Creary played a captain’s knock posting 56 runs, before being caught by Brad Wilson from the bowling of Graeme Aldridge. More importantly, he faced 117 balls, and built several usual partnerships, which took his side through to 176 all out.
While batsmen came and went, Creary remained at the crease. Batting at nine, Jermaine Blackwood helped the cause with a gritty 39, and put on a 67 run partnership with his captain.
A feature of the ND bowling was that eight of the wickets were taken by Bay of Plenty bowlers. Graeme Aldridge took four wickets, removing the top order, while Trent and Jono Boult grabbed two wickets apiece. Anurag Verma was the other successful bowler returning 2/22.
ND started the game at a crisp pace, determined to avenge the loss to the West Indies youngsters on Wednesday. ND Stalwart Michael Parlane was in outstanding form, smashing an undefeated 71 runs. He received plenty of support from Brook Hatfield (56) and Tamiti Clarke (32no), as the home side got home for the loss of three wickets.


Result
West Indies U19 – 176 (Andre Creary 56, Jermaine Blackwood 39, Yannie Cariah 26; Graeme Aldridge 4/20, Trent Boult 2/21, Anurag Verma 2/22, Jono Boult 2/42) lost to ND A 180/3 (Michael Parlane 71no, Brook Hatwell 56, Tamiti Clarke 32no)