Trinidad and Tobago Red Force firmly grasped the upper hand on day one of their day/night West Indies Championship clash against Windward Islands Volcanoes, as they finished just 29 runs behind with nine wickets still intact at Arnos Vale on Wednesday.

A stellar spin-bowling display from Khary Pierre and Yannic Cariah set the foundation for Red Force’s dominance as they dismantled the Volcanoes’ batting lineup for a mere 166 in just 51 overs. Pierre was instrumental with figures of 4-17, while Cariah was equally effective, claiming 4-30.

Despite a battling century from West Indies Test batsman Kavem Hodge, who stood tall with a valiant 126, the Volcanoes had little else to celebrate. Hodge’s 142-ball knock, laced with 15 boundaries and a six, was the only resistance against a relentless Red Force attack, as no other batsman managed to reach double figures.

At stumps, Red Force were well-positioned at 137-1, with Cephas Cooper, on 69, and Amir Jangoo, 60, set to extend their dominance on the second day.

Kavem Hodge during his valiant knock. (Photos: CWI)

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Volcanoes found themselves in early trouble at 48-3, with opener Jeremy Solozano (6), Stephan Pascal (9), and Keron Cottoy (2) falling cheaply.

Their best partnership came through a 65-run fourth-wicket stand between Hodge and captain Sunil Ambris, but even Ambris struggled, managing only nine before falling victim to the spin web.

In response, Red Force lost Jyd Goolie for a duck with just five runs on the board, but Cooper and Jangoo steadied the innings with a commanding unbeaten second-wicket stand. Cooper remained composed on 69, striking eight boundaries and a six, while Jangoo crafted an assured 60, decorated with six fours.

With first-innings honours within reach, the visitors will be eyeing a substantial lead to pile further pressure on the struggling Volcanoes.