Grenada 136

Bermuda 80-1

(Bermuda won on Duckworth/Lewis)

Rodney Trott produced a devastating spell of off-break spin to guide Bermuda to victory over Grenada's national team in a rain shortened 50-over contest in Grenada yesterday.

The Bailey's Bay all-rounder spun his way to astonishing figures of five for 15 during a ten-over burst that included three maidens to completely undermine a Grenadan batting order that crumbled for a paltry total in 43 overs.

The Under-19 World Cup veteran was introduced to Bermuda's attack right after the first drinks break and immediately made his presence felt, claiming a wicket in four consecutive overs to place the tourists firmly in the driver's seat.

It was a remarkable performance that drew rave reviews from Bermuda skipper Irving Romaine back at his team's hotel afterwards.

"Rodney bowled extremely well. He gave the ball a lot of flight and picked up some key wickets for us today," he said, basking in the afterglow of his team's eighth win on tour of the Caribbean. "It was another good day for the spinners who I thought bowled extremely well.

"The wicket took a bit of spin but for the most part Rodney was beating the batsmen through the air. They (Grenada) really didn't have an answer to Rodney who exploited their weaknesses."

Earlier on tour, Trott's prowess with the ball earned him praise from former West Indies Test batsman Larry Gomes in Trinidad.

"Young Rodney certainly has potential and I was very impressed with his bowling. He bowled with a lot of flight and was able to generate considerable turn," Gomes told The Royal Gazette.

Trott proved to be the biggest thorn in the Grenadans side yesterday. But it was fast bowler George O'Brien jr (two for 32) who achieved the initial breakthrough by picking up two wickets in his first over to force the host team on the back foot after they had elected to bat on a placid strip at the Grenada National Stadium.

"George also bowled extremely well for us today," added Romaine.

Middle order bat Garfield Charles topped the Grenada batting with 32.

In reply, Chris Douglas (31) and Fiqre Crockwell (36) strung together a 72-run opening partnership that kept Bermuda on course for victory which was eventually achieved via Duckworth/Lewis after rain halted proceedings midway through the tourists' innings.

Crockwell, who stroked a solid 91 against a St.Vincent President's XI last week, helped himself to four boundaries off 72 balls before he was bowled by left-arm orthodox spinner Shawn George. Douglas had three fours and faced a total of 70 deliveries.

"Fiqre and Chris gave us another good start and batted extremely well and I think the more they bat at this level the better they will get," added Romaine.

"It was a very good batting strip and the guys batted sensibly."

Bermuda were comfortably poised with Douglas and skipper Romaine (three) unbeaten at the crease when the heavens opened up.

"It was a good game and I can't even remember ever having a record like this (8-2) playing against national teams in the Caribbean," added Romaine. "We have played extremely well as a team."

Bermuda close out a month-long sojourn to the West Indies tomorrow with a match against a Grenada President's XI at the Grenada National Stadium. It is a match that, for some, will represent one last chance to convince the Bermuda selectors they are worthy of representing the Island at April's World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.Bermuda's 15-man World Cup qualifying squad will be announced at a Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) press conference next Wednesday.