THE Leeward Islands Hurricanes would have done a lot to boost their confidence after a rare victory over the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the Regional four-day tournamnet at the Queen’s Park Oval on Saturday.
The Hurricanes got home by the skin of their teeth, claiming a one-wicket victory, probably the closest this season.
The game had been close throughout, with the Hurricanes restricting the Red Force to 222 in their first innings thanks to Sheno Berridge’s 4-72, and Jeremiah Louis’, 4-45.
Mervin Matthew chipped in with 1-26 and Jason Campbell ended the innings with 1-23.
The Hurricanes’ response was underwhelming, as skipper Kieran Powell, could only manage 15 at the top of the order, and Montcin Hodge, who has been in good form of late, only managed 11.
It was the lower-order who showed some fight, taking the total to 163, with Akeem Saunders’ 49, the highlight.
The difference-maker in that Hurricanes first innings was the bowling of Imran Khan, whose 5-25 was devastating.
Khary Pierre chipped in with 2-26, while Tion Webster, 1-44, Daniel St Clair, 1-27, and Anderson Phillip, 1-38, also made inroads.
Though the Red Force now had a 59-run lead, they were by no means comfortable.
The situation got even tighter when Berridge, 4-40, led an attack that reduced the Red Force to just 162.
Berridge received great support from the bowling of Matthew, who ended with 2-27, Louis, 2-49, and newcomer, Chaim Holder, who bagged 2-19.
A lead of 221, took the game to where it had started, the Hurricanes staring at a small lead but unsure of what to do with it.
Coach Winston Benjamin had said the team was suffering from a crisis of confidence, and their approach to the small total suggests he was right.