Morris happy despite just missing maiden ton

Jamaica Scorpions wicketkeeper/batsman Romaine Morris came within three runs of scoring his maiden first-class century as the left-hander helped the hosts put 269 runs on the board against the Barbados Pride on day one of their West Indies Championship match at Sabina Park.

Morris hit 10 fours and three sixes in his 126-ball 97 not out, as he helped the Scorpions from a precarious position after they were 113 for five. The hosts initially got a good start as opener Carlos Brown and Kirk McKenzie hit 40 each to leave the Scorpions on 103 for three.

Brown and McKenzie added 75 runs for the second wicket in the first significant partnership, with Morris and captain Jermaine Blackwood also adding 75 runs for the sixth wicket.

Morris also found a helpful partner in Peat Salmon as the pair put on 46 runs for the seventh wicket.

"We were in trouble after losing a cluster of wickets, and my plan was to play my natural game but be selective in my shots, and it paid off," said Morris.

Morris, who had a previous best score of 68 made in the opening match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, was disappointed he didn't get to the three figures but was still satisfied with his effort.

"I am elated as well because it is my highest first-class score, and, hopefully, I can build on this," he said.

Barbados Pride's left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican also picked up his 20th five-wicket haul after bagging five for 62. Warrican said his effort was satisfying because of how the wicket favoured batting.

"I rank this performance very high because the conditions weren't easy to bowl in as it was a flat track. I had to pull on all my skills and be disciplined, so I enjoyed getting the five wickets," Warrican said.

Barbados Pride will resume on 15 without loss, still trailing the Scorpions by 254 runs.