Lawson ... grabbed three wickets. - dellmar

CAYON, St. Kitts (CMC):

Leeward Islands captain, Sylvester Joseph, was on the brink of a another regional century as his side revelled in Jamaica's bowling on the opening day of their first round Carib Beer Series match at St. Mary's Park yesterday.

The 28-year-old, right-hander struck a composed, unbeaten 97 to lead the Leewards to 291 for four, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first.

Joseph batted a shade over five hours and faced 204 balls, stroking 17 fours in his knock.

Crucial partnerships

Capitalising on a missed chance when two, Joseph formed two crucial partnerships along the way, helping the Leewards to recover after they had slipped to 34 for two.

West Indies batsman Runako Morton missed out on three figures when he fell for an enterprising 78, while 23-year old Tonito Willett hit an unbeaten 43.

Steve Liburd and Austin Richards Jr. both got starts but failed to carry on, both hitting 33.

Fast bowler Jermaine Lawson, who finished with three for 55, did the early damage in the Leewards innings.

He bowled opener Shane Jeffers off the inside edge without scoring and then had Richards caught and bowled off a slower ball.

Joseph then added 99 for the third wicket with Morton who hammered 13 fours in an innings lasting 142 minutes and 94 balls.

Missed by Chris Gayle at second slip off the luckless Jerome Taylor with the score on 37 for two, Joseph flourished to keep Jamaica's bowlers at bay.

When Morton fell to a catch at the wicket off leg-spinner Andre Dwyer, Joseph added a further 91 with Willett who has faced 92 balls in 137 minutes batting, striking six fours.

LEEWARDS 1st Innings