Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Trinidad and Tobago's Keith Reifer is bowled during yesterday's match against Jamaica at Melbourne.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Jamaica made a winning start to the defence of their West Indies Blind one-day title with a 300-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Jamaicans piled up a massive 417 for two off 37 overs with captain Toussaint Gardner scoring an unbeaten 161 not out.

Gardner received fine support from Dennol Simms, 114, and vice-captain Corneal Graham, 46. T&T's Ulric Andrews claimed 1-51, while the other wicket was by the run-out route. In reply, T&T were bowled out for a mere 117 runs with 61 of them coming from extras. Masia Andrews was the next best scorer with 10 runs for the visitors.

Iva Johnson was the main wicket-taker for the Jamaicans with 5-25 while Simms claimed 3-13.

The competition continues today with Jamaica facing Barbados at the same venue.