BERBICE, Guyana - Guyana were closing in on victory against the Leeward Islands at the close on the third day of their fourth-round Carib Beer Series match at Albion Tuesday.
 
Chasing 237 for victory, Guyana had carefully made their way to 121 for three, still requiring another 116 runs for victory.
 
Leewards' chance of denying Guyana victory were seriously dented after skipper Sylvester Joseph put down West Indies vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan before he had scored, in the final session.
 
The right-handed Sarwan was unbeaten on 13 and was partnered by Azeemul Haniff who was not out on 16. Fast bowler Adam Sanford has so far taken two for 22.
 
Travis Dowlin has so far topscored with 38 and shared in a third wicket stand of 50 with Haniff.
 
Earlier, Leewards were dismissed for 244 after resuming the day at 149 for three.
 
Joseph, unbeaten on 50 overnight, carried on for 79 before edging the impressive fast bowler Jeremy Gordon to wicketkeeper Derwin Christian after hitting nine fours in an innings lasting 167 minutes and 149 balls.
 
Omari Banks soon reached his ninth first-class half century with four fours but then failed to build on his good start when he cut at left-arm spinner Veersammy Permaul to provide Christian with his fourth catch of the innings and seventh catch of the match.
 
Banks, floored by Sarwan at slip off Gordon when 41, batted for 175 minutes and 150 balls and added 106 with his skipper for the fourth wicket.
 
Tonito Willett (10) was trapped lbw to leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo as the visitors slipped to 216 for six, while Permaul had Jason Williams (4) leg before on the stroke of lunch to leave the Leewards on 270 for seven at lunch.
 
After the interval, which was extended by 20 minutes due to a slight shower, Lionel Baker was bowled by Permaul for a duck and Chaka Hodge was run out for five to leave the score on 225 for nine.
 
Sanford (14 not out) and Kerry Jeremy (8) added 24 for the last wicket to frustrate the Guyana attack.
 
Permaul finished with three for 43, Gordon two for 60 and Nagamootoo, two for 79.