BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – West Indies hopeful Jahmar Hamilton led three batsmen with half-centuries as Leeward Islands Hurricanes recovered from a shaky start to keep Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the field for the entire first day of their eighth round match here Thursday.

At the close at Warner Park, the hosts were 296 for five, thanks to a top score of 68 from Hamilton, 67 from Devon Thomas and an unbeaten 64 from Terrance Warde.

Youth World Cup star Keacy Carty stroked 44 while the irrepressible Rahkeem Cornwall was on 34 not out.

Sent in, Hurricanes were tottering on 14 for two early in the morning after left-arm seamer Daniel St Clair (2-32) knocked over both openers cheaply.

First, he bowled the in-form Montcin Hodge for two in the day’s fourth over with eight runs on the board before sending back captain Kieran Powell for five in the eighth over, with 14 runs on the board.

However, the experienced Thomas came to his side’s rescue by anchoring a 101-run, third wicket stand with Carty, which kept the Red Force bowlers without any further immediate success.

Thomas faced 103 balls in just over 2-½ hours and struck eight fours and a six while Carty counted five fours in a 96-ball innings.

When both fell within the space of 33 deliveries to leave the score on 141 for four, Hurricanes found salvation through another century stand as Hamilton and Warde put on 109 for the fifth wicket.

Hamilton, who toured with West Indies last year without playing a game, struck six fours and a six off 124 balls in nearly 2-½ hours at the crease while Warde played the anchor role, consuming 167 balls in almost 3-¼ hours and hitting seven fours.

Hamilton became left-arm spinner Khary Pierre’s second wicket of the day at 250 for five but Warde found an ally in Cornwall to add a further 46 in an unbroken sixth wicket partnership, and further frustrate Red Force.