CWI Regional 4-day Championship: Motie, Permaul spin Harpy Eagles to 93-run victory over Volcanoes

Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) beat the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 93 runs on Wednesday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, dismissing them for 225 to seal automatic qualification for the CWI Regional 4-day final after the visitors resumed the fourth day on 17–1 in pursuit of 319.
Resuming with Stephan Pascal and Kavem Hodge unbeaten on four apiece and needing a further 302 runs for victory, the Volcanoes were unable to build the substantial partnerships required, despite a few pockets of resistance through the day. Pascal offered some early stability, scoring 12, but was trapped leg before wicket by Nial Smith with the score at 25–2.

Hodge, who made eight, was then removed with the total at 36–3, caught off Gudakesh Motie, as Guyana’s bowlers began to apply sustained pressure. Johann Jeremiah attempted to anchor the innings with a patient 25, but he fell to Veerasammy Permaul, leaving the Volcanoes further adrift at 110–4.
Captain Alick Athanaze produced the most significant contribution of the innings, striking a composed 64. He shared in brief partnerships to keep the chase alive but lacked meaningful support as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Shadrack Descarte (nine) and Noelle Leo (20) both got starts but were unable to convert, while Ryan John (11) and Kenneth Dember (21) added valuable lower-order runs.
Darel Cyrus chipped in with 24, but his dismissal effectively ended any lingering hopes of a late turnaround, as the Volcanoes slipped to 225 all out in 68 overs. Gilon Tyson remained unbeaten on one at the close.
Guyana’s bowling effort was led by Gudakesh Motie, who claimed 4–82 from 19 overs, adding to his 4–52 in the first innings, while Veerasammy Permaul supported with 3–41 from 18 overs. Shamar Joseph (2–26) and Nial Smith (1–35) also played key roles, with Keemo Paul maintaining control in his 11 overs, conceding just 25 runs.
From their overnight position, the Volcanoes lost their remaining nine wickets for 208 runs, never fully recovering after early setbacks. The disciplined and balanced bowling display from the defending champions ensured they maintained control throughout the day.
Earlier in the match, Guyana was sent into bat by the Volcanoes and made 242 all out, with Chanderpaul getting 69. In response, the Volcanoes made 223 all out, conceding a 19-run first innings deficit despite an unbeaten 50 from Athanaze and 74 from Kavem Hodge.
In their second turn with the bat, the Harpy Eagles required a rescue effort from Chanderpaul (117), who carried them from a precarious 129–6 to their eventual 299 all out, setting the Volcanoes an improbable 319 for victory.
The competition continues on Sunday, May 3, with the Harpy Eagles taking on the West Indies Academy in a veritable warm-up match at the Antigua Recreation Ground, while the playoff will be contested to see who joins the Guyanese in the final slated for May 17.