A staunch unbeaten century from middle-order batsman Paul Palmer Jr anchored the Jamaica Scorpions against the Leeward Island Hurricanes on day one of the West Indies Championship at Tarouba.
At the close of play, the Scorpions were 302 all-out, after being put in to bat by the Leewards who won the toss. Initially, the decision to field first had looked to be a wise one, as Kirk Mckenzie (3), Jermaine Blackwood (3), and John Campbell (2) were all back in the Pavillion with just 10 runs on the board.
Palmer would, however, stand firm at the crease, and ensure that the Scorpions did not collapse, courtesy of a string of partnerships carefully constructed throughout the innings. The batsman first put on, 44 with Alwyn Williams for the fourth wicket to stop the rot, before featuring in an innings changing 102 with Jamie Merchant for the 7th wicket. Later on, he paired with Nicholson Gordon to add 60 for the 9th wicket and push the Scorpions closer to 300 runs. Paul ended unbeaten with 144 from 233 balls, while Merchant added 55 from 60.
For the Hurricanes, Colin Archibald, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheeno Berridge took two wickets each.