A century by Hayley Matthews allied with three wickets saw hosts West Indies beat Ireland by 58 runs in the opening ODI in St Lucia.

Batting first, Sophie MacMahon's wicket had Ireland in the game at 36 for 1 after the first powerplay.

However, Matthews and Stefanie Taylor proceeded to take the game away from Ireland in a second wicket stand of 156 in 25 overs.

Matthews hit 10 fours and cleared the ropes twice in a top score of 109 from 106 balls, while Taylor (55) offered excellent support.

Laura Delany's side hit back with three wickets for six runs, but any hopes of a collapse were dashed by Chinelle Henry's counter-attacking half century from only 37 balls (7 fours).

Cara Murray finished with three wickets, while there were one apiece for Sophie MacMahon, Ava Canning and Arlene Kelly in a West Indies total of 297 for 6.

Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul added 34 for the first wicket, before a mix-up saw the Merrion left-hander run out.

Lewis then shared stands of 67 for the second wicket with Orla Prendergast (37) and 71 for the third with Delany (who was winning her 50th ODI cap).

At 172 for 2, Ireland had laid a solid foundation, although the required rate had climbed. Scoreboard pressure told with Lewis departing for 83 from 102 balls (6 fours), quickly followed by Amy Hunter, Eimear Richardson, Delany (40) and Arlene Kelly.

Mary Waldron (20) and Sophie MacMahon (13) added some late runs to take the Irish to a final total of 239 for 9.

The sides meet again on Wednesday at the same venue in the second of three ODI's which are all part of the ICC Women's Championship.