Edwards, Hinds guide Barbados to victory

Sensible knocks from Kirk Edwards (68) and Ryan Hinds (51) guided Barbados to a four-wicket win over the Leewards Islands at Sabina Park yesterday, as action continued in the 2010 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President's Cup one-day tournament.

The pair, who came together with their team at 71-2 in chase of the Leewards' competitive 239-8 off the maximum 50 overs, shared a 49-run stand that laid the foundation for the victors' total of 240-6 off 46.4 overs.

three-run victory

The result, in one of two Group B encounters contested on the day, saw Barbados rising to the top alongside Guyana, who turned back the challenge of the development youth team - the WICB/ Sagicor High Performance Centre - by a mere three runs at Kensington Park.

"We are very happy as I thought the Leewards batted fairly well and put us under some pressure. But having said that, young Edwards and myself showed the requisite application," said Hinds, who slammed six fours in his 60-ball knock.

He added: "Our first aim is get through the group stage, so our mindset will now focus on Guyana, then the High Performance Centre."

The 25-year-old Edwards, who made his West Indies 'A' debut earlier this year against India 'A', looked composed for the most part during his 95-ball innings, hitting five boundaries as he played the anchor role.

Attacking opener Dale Richards, 29, and Dwayne Richards, 25, also made decent contributions against off-spinner Justin Athanaze, who claimed 3-44 off his maximum 10 overs.

Earlier, the Leewards were propelled to their total, thanks to boundary-ladened 85 from captain Wilden Cornwall.

The 37-year-old hit six sixes and eight fours in his 59-ball knock, and shared in a 127-run fifth-wicket stand with off-spinner

Omari Banks, who made 41 off 57 balls.

Hinds, 3-31, and Benn, 2-24, off their maximum 10 overs, led the bowling for Barbados.

"Given the partnership between myself and Omari Banks, we should have made about 270 or 280, which would have been a more challenging total," said Cornwall.

Barbados are scheduled to play Guyana at Sabina Park, while the Leewards will face the High Performance Centre at Kensington in the group's next set of matches tomorrow.

- J.L.