FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, (CMC) – Terrance Warde struck an important unbeaten half-century to prop up Leeward Islands Hurricanes and frustrate Jamaica Scorpions on the opening day of their fifth round clash here Thursday.

With his side tottering on 146 for seven, Warde carved out 53 to follow up opener Montcin Hodge’s 52, as the visitors closed on 215 for nine at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.

Crucially, number seven Warde put on 28 for the eighth wicket with Jamaican Damion Jacobs (10) and a further 28 for the ninth wicket with Nino Henry (15), to ensure Hurricanes fought back in the final session.

All told, the right-hander struck six fours in an attritional 137-ball knock in 2-¾ hours at the crease.

No such rearguard effort appeared necessary with Hurricanes well placed on 92 for two after lunch, with Hodge and left-hander Amir Jangoo (35) involved in a key 39-run, third wicket stand.

Seamer Derval Green had earlier hit left-hander opener Kieran Powell in front for nine while fast bowler Nicholson Gordon had also gained an lbw verdict against Devon Thomas (16) after he put on 38 for the second wicket with Hodge.

In need of a stand, Hodge and Jangoo saw Hurricanes to lunch on 70 for two and flourished afterwards before off-spinner Pete Salmon broke the stand, getting Hodge to play down the wrong line to a straight ball and trapping him lbw.

The right-handed Hodge faced 119 deliveries and counted seven fours in 143 minutes.

Jangoo, who counted four fours off 85 balls in nearly two hours, added 25 with captain Jahmar Hamilton (7) before left-arm spinner Patrick Harty sliced through the innings with four for 41, to put Scorpions in command.