GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — A courageous hundred from Leroy Lugg emphasised his class and led a strong Jamaica batting performance over the Windward Islands in

the Regional Under-19 Championship here yesterday.

Lugg defied a leg injury that visibly hampered his running between the wickets throughout his 5 1/2-hour stay at the crease and hit 109, as Jamaica reached 272 for six in their first innings at the close on the second day of their third-round match for a lead of 20.

The 6-foot, 4-inch tall opener used a Windwards attack that was tamed by the docile Guyana National Stadium pitch to his advantage, and became the second batsman to stroke a hundred in the match following 127 from Windwards captain Roland Cato the previous day.

Lugg reached his milestone in streaky fashion, when he advanced to off-spinner Gidron Pope, was deceived by the flight of

the delivery and, looking for a lofted straight drive, got a thin inside edge past wicketkeeper Anson Latchman for his last boundary.

He smashed 11 fours and one six from 261 balls before he gave a return catch to off-spinner Deron Hypolite essaying a tired-looking lofted straight drive, leaving the Jamaicans on 250 for five.

Lugg shared an opening stand of 133 with Odaine McCatty and put on 64 for the second wicket with Nicholas Walters to give the defending double-crown champions a solid base for a big total.

McCatty scored 70 that included 11 fours from 134 balls in a shade under three hours and Walters, promoted from a position in the lower order, made 34.

Deron Hypolite has captured two for 55 from 25 overs and fellow off-spinner Gidron Pope has supported with two for 64 from 26 overs.

Officially, Windwards entered the match in third place with 22.2 points and Jamaica were fourth on 20.8.