CASTRIES, St Lucia, (CMC) - Devon Smith hit a sparkling century, but Windward Islands were forced to settle for first innings points against Jamaica in their opening round match of the Carib Beer 2004 Cricket Series that ended in a draw at the Beausejour Stadium yesterday.
Set 290 for victory, Windwards finished on 223 for five with three of the final 15 overs remaining, leaving Smith undefeated on 118 and Darren Sammy not out on nought, after Jamaica, trailing by seven runs on first innings, declared at 296 for eight in their second innings.
Windwards seemed set to launch an assault on the Jamaican attack with the hosts needing 100 runs with seven wickets still standing. But the innings fizzled at the end with tight bowling by the Jamaican spinners, Ryan Cunningham in particular.
Windwards appeared on course for full points in the match when Smith and teenager Craig Emmanuel put on 117 for the second wicket.
Emmanuel smote eight fours and one six in 55 and, moving down the pitch to Cunningham, was swiftly stumped by Keith Hibbert after he batted for 2-1/2 hours and faced 145 balls.
Junior Murray contributed 16 before he was lbw to Cunningham and the Jamaicans were encouraged with the additional wickets of Windwards captain Rawl Lewis, lbw to Andrew Richardson for 10, and Lyndon James, who was smartly caught at second slip off Cunningham.
Smith, who was however defiant to the end, struck two sixes and nine fours, facing 223 balls in five hours. The effort gained him the man-of-the-match award and his fourth first class century.
Cunningham finished with three for 62 and Richardson two for 41.
Earlier, the Jamaicans went on the rampage after starting the day on 238 for six. They declared after 42 minutes.
Tamar Lambert hit the top score of 76 with seven fours before he was caught behind off Cameron Cuffy, while Nehemiah Perry was bowled by Orlanzo Jackson for 32.
Fernix Thomas finished with three for 72 and Jackson two for 55.
In the second round of the competition, Windwards take on Barbados at the North Stars Sports & Cultural Club in Crab Hill on Barbados’ north coast, while the Jamaicans face Guyana at Sabina Park in Kingston.