The west indies women cricket team, thanks to a massive second wicket partnership of 156 between captain Hayley Mathews and Jamaica’s Stafanie Taylor, beat Ireland by 58 runs at the Darren Sammy cricket ground in St. Lucia to take a one-nil lead in the three-match one day international series.

Mathews led from the front, slamming 10 fours and 2 sixes on her way to 109 off 106 deliveries as the Windies electing to bat posted a daunting 297 for 6 from their allotted 50 overs.

Taylor meanwhile added a more subdued 55 off 69 balls, having hit 4 boundaries while Chinelle Henry on her return from injury was also among the runs with a whirlwind 53 not from just 37 balls – a knock that included 7 fours.

Shemaine Campbell also chipped in with 24 against Cara Murray who took 3 for 60.

Ireland in response made 239 for 9 with Gaby Lewis 83 and captain Laura Delany 40 doing the bulk of the scoring.

Mathews who returned to bag 3 for 52 was named player of the match.

The skipper was also filled with praises for Chinelle Henry who was getting her maiden ODI half century.

Final scores: West Indies women 297 for 6, Ireland women 239 for 9. The Second Game and penultimate game is on Wednesday also at the Darren, Sammy Stadium.