BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – A career-best hundred by Devon Thomas put Leeward Islands Hurricanes in a strong position to force a victory against Windward Islands Volcanoes on yesterday’s final day.
The experienced right-hander stroked 172 as Hurricanes, resuming from 99 for two on Saturday’s penultimate day, piled up 405 for nine declared in their first innings in their day/night final round encounter at Warner Park.
Opener Montcin Hodge struck 61, Terrance Ward, 47 while Rahkeen Cornwall scored 40 and Jeremiah Louis, 37, in a show of batting strength from the home side.
Barbadian all-rounder Kayle Mayers (3-64) and left-arm spinner Larry Edward (3-109) finished with two wickets apiece while pacer Sherman Lewis claimed two for 11.
Behind by 208 runs, Volcanoes ended the day on 28 for one – still needing 180 runs to avert an innings loss.
Thomas, resuming the day on 61, partnered with Hodge in a 148-run, third wicket stand to dominate the evening.
The right-handed Thomas faced 247 deliveries and struck 12 fours and five sixes while Hodge, who began the day on 32, counted nine fours in a 180-ball knock.
When Hodge departed, Thomas anchored a second successive century stand – 127 for the fourth wicket with Ward.
Both fell with five runs added to leave Hurricanes on 292 for five but Cornwall lashed three fours and two sixes in a 48-ball innings – adding 52 for the sixth wicket with Jahmar Hamilton (31) – to keep the momentum going.
