Gayle puts Jamaica in charge

Jamaica 338 (Bernard 120) and 145 for 2 (Gayle 71) lead Windward Islands 249 by 234 runs
Scorecard

Chris Gayle warmed up nicely for the Test series against England, by thumping a brisk 71 to consolidate Jamaica's advantage and carry them one step closer to the final of the Carib Beer Cup. By the close, Jamaica led the Windward Islands, who had earlier been bowled out for 249, by 234 runs with eight wickets remaining.

The Windwards had started the day on a rocky 121 for 4, after Jamaica had made 338 in their first innings. But though no-one could compile a significant stand, Rawl Lewis made 45 and the tail contributed a collection of handy innings to lift the deficit to a manageable 89. Jamaica's wickets were shared around, but the star of the show was their former Test offspinner Nehemiah Perry, who took 3 for 68 in 24.5 overs.

The Windwards needed early wickets to bring themselves back into the reckoning, but Gayle had other plans. He dominated a 110-run stand with Maurice Kepple (37), and though both men fell within seven runs of each other, they had done more than enough to secure the advantage. Donovan Pagan and Tamar Lambert had added an unbeaten 28 for the third wicket by the close.