KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) — West Indies Under-19 left-hander Steve Wedderburn led a recovery in a critical half-century stand, as Jamaica hit back against Barbados on the opening day of the Under-19 Championship final in St Vincent on Saturday.

The title-holders found themselves reeling on four for two in the first over in reply to Barbados’ 200 for nine declared, after fast bowler Raneico Smith followed up his robust 50 with a two-wicket burst with the new ball to leave the innings in disarray.

However, Wedderburn gathered a patient unbeaten 39 off 68 deliveries with a four and a couple of sixes to guide Jamaica out of trouble, steering them to 72 for two at the close at Arnos Vale Stadium.

He has so far posted 68 for the third wicket with Matthew Morgan, whose 28 not out has come from 72 balls with two fours and a six.

Smith, who finished with two for 16, had earlier top-scored with exactly 50 off 57 deliveries to haul Barbados out of trouble after they too found themselves tottering on 121 for seven.

He lashed seven fours and a six, adding 35 for the eighth wicket with Jatario Prescod (18) and a further 39 for the ninth wicket with Byron King (12 not out).

Nathan Sealy had earlier made a crucial 29 off 63 deliveries with two fours, anchoring a 38-run, sixth wicket stand with Prescod.

Seamer Tamarie Redwood was the best bowler with three for 61, accounting for the key wicket of Smith in the third over after tea, holing out to square leg on the sweep.

Fellow fast bowlers Michael Clarke and Jevone Wynter both ended with two for 39.

Smith returned to rock the Jamaica reply, having another West Indies Under-19 batting star Adrian Weir (4) edging a drive to first slip and before that claiming the prized scalp of first class left-hander Jordan Johnson to a catch at the wicket, top-edging an ugly pull at the first ball he faced.