Sept. 1, 2007 — West Indies off-spinner Omari Banks took six wickets to propel Anguilla to a 40-runs victory Saturday over the Combined Virgin Islands. The victory came shortly before tea on the third and final day of this Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) three-day match when highly touted 16-year-old fast bowler, Kelbert Walters, shattered the stumps of CVI number 11 batsman Dane Wesson.
The CVI had fought their way back into the match after surrendering first inning points to Anguilla by dismissing the visitors for a paltry 83 in their second innings.
Resuming on Saturday at the Owen Schjang Ballpark on St. Croix from an overnight total of 81 for 8, Anguilla was only able to add two runs for their final two wickets.
Setting a target of 195 to win with just about a full day to bat, things were looking very good for the home team. But CVI could not close the deal as they were bowled out 41 runs shot of victory at 155.
CVI captain Maxford Pipe gave a captain's knock of 62 not out, but aside from a useful knock of 30 from opening batsman Mark Vitalis no other CVI batsman offered much resistance to Anguillas bowling attack.
Banks, who played 10 tests and five One-day International (ODI) matches for West Indies between 2003 and 2005, finished with six for 58. He was well supported by Walters, who grabbed three wickets for 18 runs.
Pipe hammered a solid 62 that included six fours. Vitalis useful knock of 30 consisted of four fours.
Asked to assess his team performance in the win, Anguillas Coach Reginald Carty said, I would give the team an 'A' for this victory. We could have been in a lot of trouble after they bowled us out for 83 runs in our second innings, but I had confidence in my bowlers. Banks — you know, a West Indies player — and Walters did a great job for us. Walters is right now knocking on the door of making the West Indies team.
"The CVI surprised us a little though. We did not know they were so strong. They have some very good bowlers.
The action continues on Sunday with the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) NAGICO One-day match starting at 9:30 a.m.
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