Canada showed their recent series victory over West Indies A at home was no fluke when they beat Antigua and Barbuda in their opening match in the Red Stripe Bowl in St. Lucia today. It was their first win over a West Indian side in that competition since first playing in 1995.

Canada batted first after losing the toss and struggled against a good attack. Fazil Sattaur made a brisk 36, but the Canadians slumped from 66/1 to 119/7 before Austin Codrington helped them to a respectable total with a whirlwind 33. Carl Simon, a 26 year old fast-bowler making his debut, had the best figures, taking 4/21 (the first four batsmen) , and he was well supported by Jeremy and Cornwall with two wickets each.

Antigua lost opener Baltimore in the first over, but Lake and Joseph took the total to 55/1 before the introduction of Barry Seebaran changed the complexion of the game completely. His accurate left-arm spin proved deadly as he took two wickets in his first over, and had Antigua skipper Ridley Jacobs caught by Joseph in his second. Fellow spinner John Davison chipped in with a couple of wickets, and the Canadians fielded well, with two further wickets falling to run-outs. Antigua were al out for 138, but only after a 29 run last wicket partnership.

The Canadians will be delighted with this win over an Antigua and Barbuda side that contains some quality players. Their next match, however, will be against Guyana, the defending Red Stripe champions and will form an even sterner test.

© CCA/ Dave Liverman

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