INNSWOOD, St Catherine — In form Jamaica skipper Sanjay Walker made his second 50 of the tournament, but it was not enough to save his team from a four-wicket loss to title-holders Barbados in the third-round West Indies Regional Under-15 cricket match yesterday at Chedwin Park.

Walker top-scored with 64 not out as Jamaica, who batted first, made 167-7 off their allotted 50 overs. In reply, Barbados left-hand opener Jacob Bethel struck a polished 53 to help lift his team to 168-6 with three overs and four balls remaining.

Scores: Jamaica 167-7 (50 overs); Barbados 168-6 (46.2 overs).

It was Jamaica’s first loss of the tournament after winning their first two games. Barbados, who lost to Trinidad and Tobago in the opening round, were recording their second-consecutive win.

Barbados Head Coach Richard Clarke said he remained optimistic yesterday despite a middle-order collapse, after they were cruising on 110-1 at one stage.

“It was a close encounter but we had confidence in the players that we could make the runs,” he told the Jamaica Observer in a post-match interview.

Clarke praised his team’s comeback since the opening game loss.

“We lost that game to Trinidad and Tobago so we know every game is a must-win situation. We’re taking it one step at a time and climbing over the hurdles we have,” Clarke explained.

Jamaica Head Coach Phillip Service lauded the display of Walker, while noting that sloppy work in the field was the main reason for the loss.

“I don’t think we got enough runs today, given the quality of the wicket. The skipper batted very well for his third time out… but we gave away some runs in the field and that made the difference overall,” Service told reporters.

Yesterday, Jamaica won the toss and opted to bat — the third-consecutive game they were taking first strike.

However, number five batsman Walker, who has scores of 51 and 45 in his team’s two previous games in the tournament, was the only player to pass 20. He hit six fours from 90 balls in his level-headed 64 not out.

The next best contribution came via 34 extras, which included 21 wides.

Opener Jordan Johnson and middle order batsman Javon Nembhard both made 20.

Barbados off-spinner Tariq O’Neale claimed 2-16 off 10 overs, while medium pacer Jaden Leacock supported with 2-37.

At their turn to bat Barbados were off to a strong start, as the Jamaicans appeared lacklustre.

The diminutive Bethel and his opener partner Jaden Leacock added 56 for the first wicket before the latter fell for 19.

Despite losing five wickets in relatively short order late in the innings, Barbados held on for the win. Bethel’s 53, which included four fours, was accumulated off 108 deliveries. Support came from Nimar Bolden, who struck 35 not out. Jamaica left-arm finger spinner Alex Hinds grabbed 2-29.

At Windalco cricket ground in Ewarton, St Catherine, Guyana made it three wins from as many games after beating Trinidad and Tobago by 32 runs in a low-scoring encounter.

Scores: Guyana 105 (45.5 overs); Trinidad and Tobago 73 (35.2 overs).

At Jamalco cricket ground in Halse Hall, Clarendon, Leeward Islands suffered their third-straight defeat, going down by seven wickets to Windward Islands.

Scores: Leeward Islands 70 (28.2 overs); Windward Islands 71-3 (25.5 overs).