Smith

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC):

West Indies opener Devon Smith compiled a magnificent unbeaten century to guide the Windward Islands to a comfortable position on the opening day of their fourth-round Carib Beer Series match against the Combined Campuses and Colleges yesterday.

Smith batted the entire day to finish unbeaten on 159 made in 346 minutes off 222 balls, an innings that piloted the Windward Islands to 347 for nine after being sent in by the opposition. He has so far struck 14 fours and two sixes.

Play was delayed until 11:15 a.m. due to rain just before the scheduled start.

Apart from Smith's astute batting, Floyd Reifer's outstanding catching at first slip was the other highlight of the day's play as he snared five catches.

Smith featured in several partnerships, the biggest of which was a 79-run stand for the fifth wicket with Donwell Hector, who contributed 46. Smith laid an early foundation for the innings, putting on 58 with his more aggressive opening partner Miles Bascombe who stroked 32 with eight fours.

He also added 59 for the fifth wicket with West Indies teammate Darren Sammy before the latter offered a catch to Nicolai Parris at deep midwicket off a Gavin Wallace full toss when at 37. Smith then went on to post a crucial 54-run ninth-wicket partnership with Deighton Butler, who made 21.

Kurt Wilkinson has so far picked up two for 41, Gavin Wallace, two for 56 and Jamal Noel, two for 58.

WINDWARDS 1st Innings

D. Smith not out