All-rounder Darren Sammy left his mark at Kensington Oval on Monday, hammering a tenacious, unbeaten half-century to guide the Windward Islands to a nerve-jangling, one-wicket win over Barbados in their ninth-round WICB Regional four-day encounter.

Sammy, who slammed an exciting, maiden regional century in the Windwards' first innings, returned to hit a superb 70 as the Windwards, set 196 to win, reached 200 for nine just before tea on the final day.

Staring defeat in the face at 172 for nine after resuming the day at 61 for one, the visitors needed the experience of Sammy to shepherd last man Nelon Pascal and steer them to their fifth win of the season.

The victory was sweet revenge for the Windwards, who suffered a heavy innings and 66-run defeat to Barbados in the second round in January.

Thrilled

"Well, it was really close and wasn't good for the heart but we are thrilled about this victory," manager Lockhart Sebastien told CMC Sports.

"It's been a long time that we have beaten Barbados and we are really thrilled to achieve the victory here at what the Barbadians call the 'Mecca'.

"When we came out today at the start, we were confident. We thought we would win easily but we lost wickets quickly and it went down to the wire."

The confident Sammy finished the match in style, uppercutting fast bowler Kemar Roach (3-55) for six over third man, to spark celebrations among the Windwards squad.

All told, the right-hander struck eight fours and a six, facing 100 balls in 174 minutes at the crease.

With the victory, the Windwards have leapfrogged Barbados into second spot in the standings on 60 points.