A TEAM of young cricketers finished their Caribbean tour on a high by fighting back to win a nerve-wracking final game.

A squad of under-14 and under-15 players from Forest School, in Snaresbrook, visited the island of St Lucia during the Easter break to test their abilities against some of the country's best young players.

The group found the going tough on some difficult pitches but put in a stunning display to win their first game by ten wickets - only to lose the next two matches.

The youngsters started the fourth - and what turned out to be the final - game, desperately needing a win to level the 12-day series, but got off to a bad start.

Sports teacher Saul Foulds said: "After a weekend spent relaxing by the pool and the beach, game four would make or break the rest of the tour.

"The squad returned to their practice ground at Monchy to take on the might of the capital's comprehensive, Castries.

"Forest didn't seem up for the fight as they were put in on a damp wicket. Forty four for five was testament to some awful shots.

"None of the travelling parents expected to be detained from their pool-side apartments for much longer. That they did was firstly down to the tenacity of Tom Garnham, who top scored with 44, and the skill of Robbie Chadwick (31).

"Late fireworks from the fearless Alex Gilbert brought respectability to the final total of 165-8.

"Castries came out looking to finish the job in a hurry, but Forest gained further momentum with early wickets from the fired-up Ritchie and movement from Chadwick.

"As wickets continued to tumble, the boundaries kept on coming. The Castries middle order seemed to have the game wrapped up, but a run-out let Forest back in.

"With plenty of overs remaining and tension mounting, six runs were required with two wickets in hand.

"Gilbert though removed the danger man and amidst unbelievable tension, Poulter bowled the final batsmen to set up the famous Forest bundle.

"Forest won by four runs."

The fifth and final planned fixture was rained off so the team had to settle for a two-all draw in the series.

Mr Foulds said: "Spirits remained high. Dancing on the catamaran tour, dinner at Sonia's and watersports at Reduit Beach, alongside many other moments, will live long in the memory.

"Dreams of a tour to the Caribbean, the taste of cricket and life in St Lucia, had become a reality.

"An entire squad returned, tanned and richer for their West Indian experience."