Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 21, 2009 Sports
By Sean Devers in Jamaica
In association with Digicel, TCL,
Western Union, GSL, Pepsi, Smalta
& Demerara Power Company
After beating the Windward Islands in their last match to stay in contention for their 13th title with two matches remaining, Guyana face defending champions Barbados from today at Jamalco in the 4th round of the 2009 TCL Group Regional Under-19 three-day cricket series.
Guyana, who lost to the Leewards and Jamaica before their 3rd round victory, have 16 points, three behind the Bajans and today’s match, at a venue about an hour’s drive outside Kingston, will be crucial for both teams if they hope to eventually overtake leaders Trinidad and Tobago (30 points), Jamaica (24) and Leewards (24) with two matches to go.
Barbados have been strengthened by the return from his duties as emergency fielder in the first Test in St Vincent by Kraig Braithwaite and he made 41 and 37 in Barbados’ draw against T&T last week. The prolific opener can play a big role today on a track which should offer some early bounce but not much pace, while opener Anthony Alleyne, who made an unbeaten 102 in the last round, will hope to continue his form.
Royston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Dario Cummings, Raymond Reifer and Jason Holder could all contribute with the bat for Barbados, who edged Guyana into 2nd place in last year’s tournament in Barbados.
Jomel Warrican took 6-86 against T&T, while Chase had 3-55 and they along with Holder could cause problems for the inconsistent Guyana batsmen.
After beating the Windwards and losing to the Leewards, Barbados had to settle for a draw after losing first innings points to T&T and will be out to win this game.
Guyana’s batting has been their main problem, but Skipper Anthony Bramble’s confident 78 as opener in the last match and the return to form of senior batsman Seon Hetmyer should lift the Guyanese spirits going into today’s game, while the solid batting of Alex Amsterdam in the last match and his on-target part time off-spin is good news for the South Americans, who have won the title more than any team since regional youth cricket began in 1968.
Trevon Griffith scored a ton in the first round and has looked Guyana’s most dashing batsman, but his sometimes ultra aggressive approach has contributed to his demise when well set for big scores, and if he wants to remain in contention for a West Indies youth team pick with many of the other top order batsmen getting hundreds, he will need to be consistent.
Jeetendra Sookdeo has talent, but need to be more positive, while Royston Alkins seems to be overcoming his inferiority complex after important knocks in both innings of the last match.
Guyana’s biggest disappointment continues to be the ‘crazy’ shot selection and lack of mental toughness of Jonathon Foo, who has managed just a single 50 for his country in 6 years at regional youth cricket despite carrying the tag of the team’s most naturally gifted batsman.
Pacers Andre Stoll and Seon Daniels can hit the ball a long way, while the wonderful temperament of tail-ender Totaram Bishun has been an example for the top order.
Keon Joseph has been passed fit to play and consideration could be given to him replacing Stoll today, while the impotent spin attack could be strengthened by giving Essequibo left-arm spinner Anthony Adams his debut and leaving out Herrell Greene, who has struggled at the top of the order.
The Guyanese had a practice session yesterday morning and coach, Hubern Evans and Manager Alvin Johnson is closely monitoring the energy level of the players who are already beginning to feel the effects of back-to-back matches in sweltering heat here.
Daniels has recovered from cramps sustained in the last match, but with still 11 days of cricket to play in the next 15 days, fatigue and dehydration could be a major concern, especially when the one-day series commences on August 30.
There has been a tremendous ‘lift’ in the Guyana camp following their win on Sunday and captain Bramble said the team understood their role as Guyana’s sporting ambassadors and will be giving their best in the remaining matches.
“We know that people back home are disappointed with how we are playing and we knew we had to win the last match to stay in line for the title. I myself said I have to be positive and set an example and it was really good to see the senior guys contribute in the last match and encourage the newer guys. We are looking to win our last two games and I think we have the players to do it once everybody play as one and fight to the end,” Bramble said. This game could be physically taxing for the players, since the teams will have to leave their base at the UWI Campus at Mona before 07:00hrs to travel to Jamalco and then make the return trip in the afternoon each day.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
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