BASSETERRE (CMC):

Guyana took a giant step towards retaining their TCL West Indies Under-19 Challenge crown when they dominated Barbados on the opening day of their final-round encounter, at Cayon, yesterday.

Off-spinner Clive Andries grabbed five for 49 as Barbados were bundled out cheaply for 92 and Guyana then helped themselves to a lead of 63 runs as they rushed to 155 for six by the close.

Andries got support from medium pacer Kellon Carmichael (2-9) and debutant left-arm spinner Eugene La Fleur (2-17) as Barbados, asked to bat on a good track with some early lateral movement, fell for their second double digit total following 89 against Trinidad and Tobago, in the last round.

Only Stefan Gooding with an unbeaten 42 showed any enterprise as opener Rashidi Boucher perished for 22.

An entertaining 55 from Robin Bacchus and 37 from Vishal Singh then ensured Guyana claimed fist innings points leaving Barbados and T&T out of the title race since, even if Guyana losses outright and both Barbados and T&T claim full points from this round, they will both still finish one point behind the Guyanese.

Bacchus stroked 10 boundaries in his innings, which lasted 85 balls and 104 minutes, while Singh hit six fours in his knock.

The Barbadians again showed their vulnerability to spin bowling and quickly slumped to 34 for eight as four of their middle order batsmen fell in rapid succession for ducks in ideal conditions for cricket.

After Carmichael knocked back the off stump of Kyle Corbin (1) in the third over with just seven runs on the board, Andries and La Fleur commenced their demo-lition job.

AT CONAREE: Trinidad & Tobago, responding to the Leeward Islands' first score of 179, reached 65 for one at the close.

Scores: Leewards: 179 (Jahmal Hamilton 34, Kieron Powell 27, Devon Thomas 27, Chesney Hughes 23; Kavon Cooper 5-35, Varoon Samaroo 3-59).

T&T: 65-1 (Milton Dookeran 22 not out, Darren Bravo 22 not out).