ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Tyrone Theophile struck an unbeaten half-century as Windward Islands Volcanoes broke their losing slump to beat Leeward Islands Hurricanes by nine wickets yesterday.
Chasing a modest 136 on the final day of their WICB Professional Cricket League third round contest, the Windwards reached their target about 45 minutes after lunch at the National Stadium.
Theophile, a 25-year-old right-hander, top-scored with 62 while West Indies limited overs batsman Johnson Charles finished unbeaten on 46.
The duo put on 90 for the second wicket to ensure the points, after the prolific Devon Smith perished for 25 in the morning session.
Theophile faced 123 balls in just under 2-1/2 hours at the crease and hit six fours and six while Charles hammered three fours and a six off 96 deliveries.
Smith and Theophile added 48 for the first wicket, giving the Windwards a solid start in their run chase.
The left-handed Smith, called up yesterday to replace the injured Chris Gayle in the Test squad bound for South Africa, faced 38 balls in just over an hour at the crease and struck three fours.
On 25 at the first drinks break, he failed to add on resumption, caught at short leg by Lyndell Richardson off left-arm spinner Yannick Leonard.
It was the last taste of success for the Leewards, however, as Theophile and Charles carried the hosts safely to lunch at 92 for one, before competently sealing the game afterward.