PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

JAMAICA STARTED the defence of their West Indies Under-15 title positively with a convincing win over Leeward Islands, while Windward Islands trounced hosts Trinidad and Tobago in the opening series of matches yesterday.

While Jamaica beat the Leewards by 90 runs at theInshan Ali Park in Preysal, the Windwards snatched an exciting four-wicket win over T&T at Gilbert Park in California.

Early warning

Jamaica, the defending champions after winning last year's tournament in Antigua, sent an early warning to their opponents with an authoritative display.

Batting first, they scored a competitive 226 for nine from their 50 overs, with man-of-the-match Hanchard Hamilton top-scoring with an unbeaten 49, while Sheldon Samuels con-tributed 38.

In response, the Leewards were undermined by right-arm spinner Rejiv Service and folded for 136 off 33.5 overs.

Promising middle-order bats-man Dilyn Liddie top-scored with 38, while Service ended with four for 52 from his allotted 10 overs.