BERBICE, Guyana (CMC) — A trifecta of half-centuries from Ryan Hinds, Jason Haynes and Dale Richards set Barbados in a commanding position against hosts Guyana on the opening day of their fifth-round WICB Regional first-class match yesterday.

The visitors marched to 326 for five at close of play at the Albion Sports Complex.

Hinds cracked 76 with 13 fours and a six in a pugnacious 118-ball innings as he added 126 for the third wicket with Jason Haynes, who stroked a measured 69 from 158 deliveries.

Haynes’ innings contained six fours and he matched the six hit by Hinds but Richards launched two thunderous sixes in his brisk run-a-ball innings of 55 in the morning session.

Richards also counted eight fours during his innings which dominated an opening stand of 76 with West Indies Under-19 batting sensation Kraigg Brathwaite (33).

A steady half-century by opener Montcin Hodge and other valuable contributions from Kieran Powell and Gavin Williams gave the Leeward Islands plucky start to their match against the Windward Islands.

Electing to bat on a Bourda track that offered little assistance to the bowlers, the Leewards gathered 254 for five by stumps with the experienced Wilden Cornwall (23) and Omari Banks (18) at the crease.

Hodge, a 22-year-old from Anguilla, stroked 61, while Powell (48), Williams (44) and captain Steve Liburd (39) also scored well for the Leewards, whose batting has struggled so far in the tournament.

At press time, Jamaica and the Combined, Campuses and Colleges (CCC) were engaged in a day and night game.