A draw was always the most probable result in the two-day Canada- West Indies 'A' match in Toronto after a solid batting performance by Canada on the first day, and so it proved to be. A century by Ruanako Morton was the highlight of a strong West Indian batting display as they took a lead on first-innings. Young Canadian spinner Kevin Sandher took five of the six wickets to fall, helped by some outstanding catching by Austin Codrington.

Any hopes Canada had of extending their innings further on the second day were rapidly quashed when Patel was caught by Hibbert off the fifth ball of the morning bowled by Darren Powell. Canada had totalled a respectable 260, with Harris' 71 the top score.

Late addition to the squad Haniff opened the batting with captain Ganga against Codrington and Patel. The opening partnership had reached 33 when Patel had Haniff caught by Sandher. Ganga and Morton took the total past 100, Morton batting with aggressive intent, and out-scoring his partner. Sandher, who bowled unchanged for 30 straight overs after he was introduced into the attack, dismissed Ganga, and then Bravo, but the score steadily mounted.Harris experimented with a variety of bowlers but Morton cruised untroubled to his century. The Canadian bowling attack was somewhat experimental - Canada's main attack at the ICC Trophy consisted of Seeberan, Davison, Joseph and Thuraisingham, all of whom were not playing in this match. It was invaluable experience however for the Canadians, and 22 year old Sandher in particular benefited from an extended outing against top class bats.

Morton and Hinds took the West Indies into a first-innings lead before Morton was caught by at slip Harris off Sandher. Codrington took three catches, two of them quite exceptional -the one to dismiss Hinds was described by spectators as "unbelievable". Fielding at long-off he sprinted hard then threw himself full length to take the ball inches from the ground. The bowler in all three cases was Sandher, and when West Indies declared he had taken five of the six wickets to fall. With only the first innings completed the match was drawn, but Canada had shown that they were more than competitive at the longer form of the game, after winning the one-day series.

The West Indies players will look forward to returning home after two months on the road. The tour of England and Canada has been useful experience for the younger members of the party, and although no new stars have emerged, several players have strengthened their case for inclusion in the full squad. For Canada, however, the visit has been invaluable as their thoughts turn towards the World Cup this winter. The Canadian squad has varied considerably in the four matches and several younger players have had the opportunity to show their skills at a higher level. The victory in the one-day series will boost Canadian confidence considerably as they head to the West Indies to take part in the Red Stripe Bowl tournament next week.

© CricInfo/ Liverman