GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – Half-centuries from Keddy Lesporis and Andre Fletcher powered Windward Islands into a commanding position against Leeward Islands in their final round Regional First Class Championship encounter here yesterday. Lesporis stroked 86 and Fletcher got 70, to propel the hosts to 285 for six at the close on the second day at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.
The Windwards had earlier routed the Leewards for 72 after the visitors resumed the day on 62 for five, and now hold a healthy lead of 212 runs with two days left in the match.
Their strong position was due to a magnificent 155-run, third-wicket partnership between Fletcher and Lesporis.
Lesporis, the adventurous right-handed St Lucian, struck eight fours and faced 139 balls in 157 minutes while Fletcher counted six fours and one six off 167 balls in 185 minutes.
The Windwards lost the left-handed opener Atticus Browne cheaply for seven at 25 for one, caught by Justin Athanaze at first slip pushing at the final ball of the first over bowled by leg-spinner Anthony Martin.
His opening partner Johnson Charles was trapped leg-before to seamer Lionel Baker for 28 at 41 for two, paving the way for Lesporis and Fletcher to dominate the Leewards bowling.
Fast bowler Gavin Tonge finished the day with two for 61 while Sherwin Peters ended with two for 37.
Earlier, the Leewards continued to bat poorly, losing their last five wickets for nine runs.
Left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters finished with four for 19 while fast bowler Nelon Pascal grabbed three for 14.
The day started disastrously for the Leewards with Pascal sending back overnight batsman Jacques Taylor without adding to his overnight nine and Athanaze without scoring, to leave the total on 63 for seven.
Pascal also accounted for Gavin Tonge caught by Kevin James for five and Kenroy Peters had Baker caught by Charles at first slip, driving at the first ball he faced.
Kenroy Peters ended the innings by bowling Martin for two.