Top-order batsman AndrÈ McCarthy, highlighted the opening day of the fifth and penultimate Jamaica Scorpions regional four-day trial match between John Campbell XI and Paul Palmer XI at Sabina Park yesterday.

The 28-year-old, who had a lukewarm season last year and was in and out of the team, hit an unbeaten 159 as John Campbell XI, sent to bat, closed on a healthy first innings total 346 for nine.

McCarthy, a former West Indies Under-19 representative, stroked 13 fours and five sixes during his knock, which has so far accounted for 203 balls.

Wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr, who made an unbeaten 54 in the previous trial match, almost scored a century as he provided strong support with 96.

Part-time off-spinner Tamar Lambert took two for 19; left-arm spinner Coi Thompson, two for 44; Rovman Powell, two for 50; and leg-spinner Damion Jacobs, two for 104, led the way with wickets.

"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 am now glad to see it coming together.

"I just hope to continue in the remainder of the trials and hopefully impress the selectors to be a part of the squad for the opening game," he expressed.

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