ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — Newly elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has congratulated prolific Windward Islands opener Devon Smith on achieving his third century in the regional four-day championships this season.

The Grenadian left-handed batsman, resuming from an overnight score of 123, was undefeated on 150 before the Windwards declared their second innings against Barbados on Monday.

Prime Minister Mitchell a former national cricket captain and Windward Islands player has encouraged Smith to continue his mission to achieve more than 800 first class runs this season.

“I would like to congratulate Devon and I am happy about the progress he is making having scored his third century in the four-day season and fourth overall,” said Dr. Mitchell, who once chaired the regional prime ministerial sub-committee on cricket.

“I had a discussion with him early in the season and I told him he needs to score runs. He needs to let his bat do the talking. I wish him well as he continues his run to achieve his goal of scoring 800 runs this season”.

Smith’s batting heroics and an eight wicket haul from in-form West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford propel leaders Windward Islands to an emphatic 216-run victory over Barbados inside three days in fifth-round action.

The left-hander faced 269 balls in 5-1/2 hours at the crease, striking 21 fours and extending his third wicket stand with Andre Fletcher to 62.

He remains the leading scorer in the longer format of the regional competition with three centuries under his belt and has moved closer to securing the Sir Vivian Richards Award for batsman with the most Regional 4 Day runs.

“I am sure with those impressing batting performances it may just be a matter of time before he regain his place on the West Indies cricket team,” the Grenadian prime minister said.

Smith is also the leading scorer in the Super 50 competition having also scored a century in that format this year.