Justin Greaves and rising star Jewel Andrew lit up the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Wednesday, as both crafted commanding centuries to put the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in a strong position on the opening day of their fifth-round West Indies Championship encounter against Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC).
The day belonged to the 18-year-old Andrew, who showcased maturity well beyond his years, as he registered his maiden first-class century in a knock that oozed class and composure. His 122 off 139 balls included 12 boundaries and three towering sixes—a well-paced innings that not only steadied the Hurricanes but also enthralled those lucky enough to witness it.
At stumps, the Hurricanes were 367 for 5, with Greaves unbeaten on 104 and Jahmar Hamilton on seven, set to resume on Thursday.
Greaves, the experienced campaigner, provided the perfect foil as he constructed a more measured innings. His 104 not out has spanned 196 balls and featured seven boundaries so far. His massive 200-run fifth-wicket partnership with Andrew was the cornerstone of the Hurricanes' dominant day.
After opting to bat first, the Hurricanes endured a rocky start. Mikyle Louis departed cheaply for three, bowled by Chemar Holder, while Keacy Carty (14) fell leg-before to Akeem Jordan as the scoreboard read 20 for 2 inside five overs, and the CCC bowlers smelled blood.
But Kadeem Henry and Karima Gore steadied the innings with a crucial 69-run stand for the third wicket. Henry struck six boundaries in his 35 off 67 balls before Holder found the breakthrough when he disturbed Henry’s stumps with the Hurricanes at 89 for 3.
Gore carried on and found another ally in Greaves. The pair added another 60 runs for the fourth wicket, with Gore raising his bat for a well-deserved half-century. But just as the partnership threatened to take control, Damion Joachim produced a beauty to bowl Gore for 65 off 89 balls, which included 10 boundaries.
At 149 for 4, the match was still delicately poised, but when Andrew strode to the crease, what followed was a partnership that turned the tide emphatically in favour of the Hurricanes.
Andrew, brimming with confidence, took the attack to the CCC bowlers. While Greaves anchored one end, Andrew played the aggressor and found the boundary regularly. The pair’s understanding was evident as they kept the scoreboard ticking while punishing loose deliveries.
As the CCC bowlers toiled in the afternoon sun, Andrew celebrated his milestone and possibly had his eyes on an even bigger score. However, his innings ended on 122, when he miscued a delivery from Romario Greaves and was caught by Kieran Powell with the score at 349 for 5.
Still, Greaves remained unflappable and celebrated his own century—a third in first-class cricket—shortly before the close. His innings has been a study in concentration, and with Hamilton at the other end, the West Indies Test batsman will be eager to push the total beyond CCC’s reach on day two.
Holder (2 for 85) was the pick of the CCC attack, which has struggled to contain the onslaught.