A brilliant century from Shadrack Descarte and an unbeaten half-century from Ryan John powered the Windward Islands Volcanoes to an imposing 364-7 on the opening day of their West Indies Championship match against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

After being sent in to bat first, the Volcanoes endured an early wobble as Oshane Thomas made quick inroads, dismissing Jeremy Solozano for 6 and trapping Stephan Pascal lbw for 25 to leave the hosts at 39-2 inside the first 10 overs. Thomas continued his fine spell when he removed Kavem Hodge for 9, while Justin Greaves dismissed captain Alick Athanaze for 13, further deepening the Volcanoes' troubles at 58-4.

With the top order in disarray, the experience of Sunil Ambris and the resilience of Shadrack Descarte helped to rebuild the innings. Ambris played fluently for 35 off 26 balls, striking five boundaries before he too fell victim to Thomas, leaving the Volcanoes at 132-5.

At that stage, Descarte took full control, forming a crucial 56-run partnership with wicketkeeper Gian Benjamin, who contributed 30 from 28 balls before falling lbw to Cameron Pennyfeather. Descarte, however, remained steadfast, continuing his counterattack and punishing anything loose. The right-hander brought up a superb century, showcasing his shot-making ability with 17 boundaries in his 119-run innings off just 132 deliveries before he was eventually stumped off the bowling of Karima Gore at 333-7.

Ryan John ensured that the Volcanoes' momentum did not falter. The all-rounder played an aggressive yet composed knock, finishing the day unbeaten on 71 from 74 balls, striking six fours and three sixes. He found an able partner in Kenneth Dember, who remained not out on 18, as the pair guided Windwards safely to stumps at 364-7, setting up an excellent foundation for the rest of the match.

For the Leeward Islands, Oshane Thomas was the standout bowler, finishing with 4-45 from 14 overs, while Justin Greaves, Karima Gore, and Cameron Pennyfeather chipped in with a wicket each. Despite their early breakthroughs, the Hurricanes bowlers struggled to contain the middle and lower order, as the Volcanoes took full advantage of a flattening pitch and some wayward bowling, highlighted by 38 extras, including 22 byes and five wides.

With John and Dember set at the crease, the Volcanoes will look to push their total past 400 when play resumes on Day 2, while the Hurricanes will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and mount a strong response with the bat.