KINGSTON, Jamaica,  CMC – Paul Thomas hit a maiden hundred of 126 and led a powerful batting performance to hand hosts Jamaica a first innings lead of 127 over Leeward Islands in the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge yesterday.

Thomas struck 14 fours and two sixes from 228 balls in a little over five hours to lead Jamaica to 394 for six, replying to the Leewards’ first innings total of 267, on the second day of the match at Melbourne.

Thomas shared two significant partnerships that put Jamaica in a formidable position. He added 108 with Brian Clarke for the second wicket, and 124 for the sixth wicket with Akeem Dewar.

Clarke struck 12 fours and two sixes in 64 from 119 balls in 2-1/2 hours before he was run out to trigger a bit of slide that left the Jamaicans 181 for five.

Dewar was much steadier and was undefeated on 82 at the close after striking eight fours from 105 balls in close to 2-3/4 hours. He and Thomas put Jamaica in control before the latter was dismissed in the final hour.

Kirk Harris joined Dewar and was unbeaten on 50 at stumps with seven fours from 53 balls in about an hour of batting.

Hayden Walsh Jr has been the Leewards’ most successful bowler with two wickets for 105 runs from 21 overs.