six runs in their friendly match at Somerset Cricket club on Thursday, thanks to a third-wicket stand of 82 between opener Alex Virgil and skipper Randy Butler.

It marked the first time that the host country for the West Indies Cricket Umpires Conference were victorious in the match-up. It was a 35 overs game.

Virgil was the leading batsman for the local side with 54 runs while Oliver Bain scored 28, Butler 26 and Milton Pringle 21.

Ismeal Henry was the top bowler for the visitors with two wickets for 25 while Thomas Wilson had two for 41.

Like Bermuda, the West Indies were facing trouble early in the innings at 48 for the loss of four wickets when a fifth-wicket stand of 38 between Thomas Wilson and Garfield Christian lifted them out of the hole. Wilson scored 25 and Christian 13.

But it was the sterling batting performance by skipper Sampson Naughton who helped to take the visitors within striking range of the Bermuda score. He scored a stroke-filled 51 before being unfortunately run out with his team just eight runs short of their winning target.

The other top bat for the West Indies was Norman Malcolm with 17. Bermuda recorded the final out with just three balls left in the game, the dismissal occurring when tail-ender Eion Simpson was run out for five. Bain was led the local bowling attack with two for 11 while Mike Levon had two for 26.

YOUTH BASEBALL BB Royals and Phillies remain on a collision course as they battle for supremacy in the Bermuda Youth Sports Program Rookie League.

Each have identical records of nine wins, two losses and a tie after Wednesday's matches.

Phillies received a scare from Pirates, before emerging 6-5 victors, while Royals lit up Mets in a 16-3 win.

Mariners drew within a game of third-placed Reds with a 6-5 triumph.

Meanwhile, in Little League action, Reds doused Mariners 12-8 in the lone match played.

Last Saturday saw the Little League All-Star East versus West match played and had the West winning 7-6 in a closely fought contest.

TARGET SHOOTING SHO Carl Reid led all shooters when he totalled 194 out of 200 on Wednesday night at the Prospect Range. James Rego was second on 191.