Kevlon Anderson continued his stellar run of form in the West Indies Championship with a brilliant century as Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions ended the opening day evenly poised in their fourth-round clash at Sabina Park on Wednesday.

Anderson’s composed 100 off 161 balls, which featured 10 fours and two sixes, anchored the Harpy Eagles to 260-5 at stumps. However, the 24-year-old was forced to retire not out hurt, and while Kemol Savory, on 18, and Gudakesh Motie, on six, will resume the innings on Thursday’s second day, there remains a possibility that Anderson, who now has two century's in the tournament and four overall in first-class cricket, could return to the crease if required.

After electing to bat first, tournament leaders Harpy Eagles got off to a steady start, thanks to a 55-run opening partnership between Tagenarine Chanderpaul (32) and Matthew Nandu (61). The duo frustrated the Scorpions' bowlers early, but Odean Smith provided the breakthrough when he trapped Chanderpaul in front.

With the Scorpions looking to capitalize on the opening wicket, Anderson joined Nandu, and together they put on a crucial 137-run second-wicket partnership that shifted the momentum back in the visitors’ favour.

Nandu, who had been patient and methodical in his 195-ball knock, which had five fours, was eventually undone by Tamarie Redwood when he dragged his foot to a turning delivery and was stumped.

While Anderson continued to pile on the runs, his retirement not out hurt created an opening for the Scorpions to claw their way back into the contest. The Jamaican bowlers capitalized on the shift, removing Tevin Imlach (16), Kevin Sinclair (7), and Ronaldo Alimohamed (10) in quick succession as the Harpy Eagles stumbled from 192-2 to 251-5.

Despite the late hiccups, Savory and Motie held firm, ensuring the Scorpions didn’t gain full control heading into Day Two.

Odean Smith was the pick of the attack, finishing the day with 3-46, while Redwood chipped in with 2-89.