Jermaine Lannaman, STAR Writer

Batsman André McCarthy highlighted the opening day of the fifth and penultimate Jamaica Scorpions regional four-day trial match between John Campbell's XI and Paul Palmer's XI at Sabina Park yesterday.

The 28-year-old hit an unbeaten 159 as Campbell's XI, sent in to bat, closed on 346 for nine.

McCarthy, a former West Indies Under-19 representative, stroked 13 fours, and five sixes. Wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr was also among the runs as he hit a solid 96.

Part-time off-spinner Tamar Lambert, two for 19, left-arm spinner Coi Thompson, two for 44, and Rovman Powell, two for 50, were the leading bowlers.

"I know I needed a good score after getting starts in the other games, and today it came off. I am excited about it," said McCarthy.

"I have been training hard before the start of the season, and been putting in the work, and is now glad to see it coming together," he added.

McCarthy, prior to the hundred, made scores of 53, 42, 37, 14 not out and 16.