Flying finish for West Indies A

West Indies A ended their tour to England in fine style, with a 44-run win over Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. Chris Gayle hit a sublime 83, with Ryan Hinds chipping in with 68 as the visitors totalled 279.

Hinds completed an excellent day with six wickets. Jermaine Lawson and Sulieman Benn claimed two scalps apiece as Gloucestershire struggled to maintain good early momentum.

Skipper Daren Ganga had earlier won the toss, electing to bat. Gayle launched an astonishing early assault, climbing into loose deliveries and spanking the ball through the covers.

Ganga was first to go, caught by Tim Hancock at square-leg to give Roger Sillence the first of his four wickets. Devon Smith followed, slashing Sillence to Jeremy Snape at point.

Runako Morton joined Gayle and the pair embarked on an enterprising 72-run partnership. Morton made use of a typically flat Cheltenham pitch and fast outfield, slashing seven boundaries in a quick-fire 41. Morton's tour ended as Alistair Bressington removed his middle stump.

Gayle progressed smoothly to 83 (79 balls, 12 fours and a six) before Snape got rid of him. Hinds continued to blaze away, hitting two big sixes at this, one of the most beautiful English grounds.

All-rounder Alex Gidman accounted for Dwayne Bravo (38) who was caught by James Averis attempting to extend his boundary tally.

Averis picked up two late wickets, with Sillence bowling Hinds. Sillence soon grabbed his fourth victim, as Jermaine Lawson was caught at long-off by debutant James Pearson.

The home side got their chase off to the worst possible start on a hot, muggy day. Pearson, who plays his club cricket for Bristol West Indies, was dismissed for nought. The 18-year-old was bowled by Tino Best in the second over.

Tim Hancock responded to some fast and hostile bowling from Best and Darren Powell with a clutch of back-foot boundaries. He had made a rapid 27 before he was caught at mid-wicket. Chris Taylor hit a couple of fours before he was clean bowled by Best.

Snape (55), along with Windows (41) took the attack to the West Indians, as Gayle and Lawson were particularly expensive. The pair added 110 for the fourth wicket before Hinds had Windows stumped and Snape caught in the deep.

With the run-rate climbing out of control, the visitors' tightened their grip. Hinds wrapped up the tail, with Gidman's powerful 36 the only real resistance. Ganga's men now head home, and should be content with a tour which started poorly but improved consistently.