ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Rookie teenage batsman Andre Fletcher and veteran Junior Murray shone as hosts Windward Island reached 163 for five against Guyana on a truncated opening day of their Carib Beer Series encounter at the Tanteen Recreation ground yesterday.

Fletcher hit the top score of 40 while Murray scored an unbeaten 38, to lead their side after Guyana won the toss and invited the Windwards to bat first in bright sunshine on a track with some moisture and a damp outfield.

Heavy overnight rain had left the ground in a soggy condition, resulting in a 270-minute delay before play eventually commenced at 1:30 Eastern Caribbean time.

Murray, the former West Indies wicketkeeper, faced 99 balls and batted 120 minutes striking a solitary four. Fletcher faced 100 balls in his 110-minute knock, while striking five boundaries.

Test opener Devon Smith fashioned 34 while debutant Heron Campbell scored 21, in giving the Windwards a solid start.

Fast bowler Esuan Crandon finished with two for 32 while 18-year-old debutant left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul grabbed two for 32 in an impressive spell.

After helping to post 42 for the first wicket, Campbell fell leg before to Crandon after batting for 44 minutes, facing 35 balls.

Fletcher joined Smith and the pair carried their side to 63 before Permaul, the leading wicket-taker in last year's Under-19 tournament, struck with his fourth ball in first-class cricket having Smith caught at the wicket, two overs before tea.

Smith's 34 came from 89 minutes and 58 balls, and was aided by five fours on the heavy outfield.

Permaul, bowling with plenty of variation, struck again in the third over after tea when Hyron Shallow (2) was comprehensively bowled by a well-flighted delivery at 78 for three. Fletcher threw away an opportunity to post his first regional 50 when he sparred at a wide ball from Crandon and edged a catch to Azeemul Haniff at slip, as the home team slipped to 129 for four.

WINDWARDS 1st innings

D Smith c wkp Christian b Permaul