A BLAZING OPENING STAND between Wayne Harper and Dennis Louis has laid the platform for the Windward Islands to dominate the Leeward Islands.

Playing literally a shot-a-ball, the flamboyant pair added 78 in 17 overs on Day 1 of the fifth and final round of the TCL Group West Indies Three-day Cricket Competition. They finished on 113 for one in reply to the Leewards' 175.

Harper, a short, happy-go-lucky right-hander, feasted on anything short. He survived a chance at 19 when he was missed at slip off Quinton Boatswain. It was heartbreak for the bowler, wicketless so far in the tournament.

Harper was eventually flummoxed by Tevin Osbourne and dismissed by the leg-before route for 37, including four fours and a gigantic six. Louis played some magnificent drives to close on 52, including seven fours and a six.

The Leewards, who were sent in, were disappointing, as most
of the batsmen failed to apply themselves on a flat pitch. Right-hander Kenroy David was the only one to show the skill necessary to prosper.

He made a resolute 71, with five fours off 137 balls in 132 minutes. He found a reliable partner in Adelvin Phillip who helped him to add 76 for the seventh wicket after the Leewards slipped to 88 for six just after lunch.

However, they fell to consecutive deliveries from Harper, who took three for 33, with his slow, unclassified right-arm spin. Captain Keron Cottoy took three for 34. (PS)