BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Opener Montcin Hodge struck his second half-century in as many matches and sixth of the season as Leeward Islands Hurricanes produced a steady batting performance to set up an interesting final day of their eighth-round contest against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

At the close on yesterday’s penultimate day, the hosts were 159 for three, already 195 runs in front with seven second innings wickets remaining.

Hodge stroked 57 off 124 deliveries with seven fours, while Test batsman Kieran Powell chipped in with 39. Jahmar Hamilton was unbeaten on 23 and partnered with Devon Thomas on 22.

Hurricanes had earlier secured a first innings lead of 36 after Red Force, resuming on 222 for seven, were dismissed for 329.

Imran Khan, unbeaten at the start on 51, missed out on a second first-class century with 86, while Jason Mohammed struck 60.

The key for Red Force was an 86-run, eighth-wicket stand between Imran Khan and Mohammed, which pushed the total beyond 300.

Imran Khan counted nine fours off 190 balls, while Mohammed faced 106 balls and counted eight fours and a six before he was last out.

Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall finished with three for 86 while Test seamer Alzarri Joseph (3-88) failed to add to his three wickets.

Hodge and Powell then made sure there were no early setbacks for Hurricanes, posting 84 for the first wicket, as Red Force’s bowlers struggled to find a breakthrough.

While Hodge stroked seven fours in a 124-ball knock, the left-handed Powell got yet another start with six fours off 68 balls before falling to a caught and bowled chance off left-arm spinner Yannic Cariah.

His dismissal triggered a slide that three wickets fall for 30 runs, but Hamilton and Thomas used their experience to add 45 for the fourth wicket and frustrate the visitors.