JOHN’S, Antigua – Holders Barbados are expected to face a stiff challenge against Windward Islands at Canaan when the Regional Under-17 Tournament opens on Tuesday in the island of Tobago.

The Barbadians captured the third edition of the Tournament – staged last year in the same island – by topping the points table, following victories over hosts Trinidad & Tobago then Leeward Islands and Jamaica.

Their only loss came against the Windwards, when they stumbled to a five-wicket defeat at Shaw Park, and their other match against Guyana was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

In the other first round matches of this year’s tournament, T&T meet Leewards at Louis D’Or and Guyana tackle Jamaica at Shaw Park.

The Tournament – in its fourth year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.

MATCH SCHEDULE

Round 1 – Tuesday, July 7

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago at Louis D’Or

Windward Islands vs Barbados at Canaan

Guyana vs Jamaica at Shaw Park

Round 2 – Wednesday, July 8

Barbados vs Leeward Islands at Canaan

Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica at Shaw Park

Guyana vs Windward Islands at Louis D’Or

 

Round 3 – Friday, July 10

Jamaica vs Leeward Islands at Louis D’Or

Barbados vs Guyana at Shaw Park

Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago at Canaan

 

Round 4 – Sunday, July 12

Guyana vs Leeward Islands at Canaan

Jamaica vs Windward Islands at Shaw Park

Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados at Louis D’Or

 

Round 5 – Tuesday, July 14

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands at Canaan

Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana at Mount Pleasant

Barbados vs Jamaica at Shaw Park