GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Opener Lendl Simmons stroked his ninth first-class century as Trinidad and Tobago took command of their final round match in the Regional First-Class Championship against Guyana yesterday.

The 26-year-old right-hander hit a fluent 134 as he propelled the visitors to 291 for four at the close of the opening day at the National Stadium at Providence.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, T&T recovered from the early loss of Tishan Maraj for four at seven for one, to take control of the innings, thanks to Simmons’ mature knock.

He struck 10 fours and a six, facing 250 balls in an innings that lasted 362 minutes. It was his second successive century against Guyana following his triple-figure effort in Antigua last year.

Simmons got great support from Jason Mohammed, who struck 67, as the two shared a stand of 112 for the third wicket. Mohammed faced 116 balls in 133 minutes at the crease and counted six fours and a six.

Following Maraj’s dismissal, Simmons added a vital 72 for the second wicket with captain Daren Ganga whose 24 took him past the 500-run mark for the season to 515.

In another match, Leeward Islands, sent in to bat by the Windward Islands, reached 62 for five at the close of the shortened opening day at Beausejour Cricket Ground in Grenada yesterday.

Play started at 3:40 pm because of a damp outfield.

Scores: Leewards 62 for five (Kenroy Peters 2-12).