Jamaica, T&T poised for keen fifth round clash
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Defending champions Jamaica will hand title-chasing Trinidad and Tobago their sternest test to date when they do battle today, in the penultimate round of the West Indies Under-15 Championship.
T&T, along with Guyana, are joint leaders in the series with a maximum six points, from three matches, while Jamaica are in third place on four points.
However, Jamaica still have an outside chance of lifting the title and coach Ephraim McCleod said they were viewing the game as a virtual final, when it bowled off at Wilson Road in South Trinidad.
“We are going into the game to win to stay alive in the tournament because we are hoping Barbados will beat Guyana, which will open up the entire series,” McCleod explained.
“We are getting the guys ready to make the match as a final, in a do or die attempt to retain our title.”
Trinidad coach Bachan Boochoon said his side were bracing for a difficult clash with the Jamaicans, but remained confident they would emerge with full points.
“Jamaica still have more than an outside chance of retaining their title,” Boochoon said.
“However, coming out of the game against Barbados, the guys have lifted their game and as such would be ready for the challenge against Jamaica.”
Boochoon said they had taken the positives from the previous games, including the batting and bowling and hoped this would put the team in a better position to conquer Jamaica.
In another interesting contest, Guyana and Barbados will clash at the Munroe Road Recreation Ground in Cunupia in Central Trinidad.
Adrian Amsterdam, coach of the Guyana team, said his side were confident they could extend their unbeaten streak and clinch the championship.
“The team has benefited from the experience of three players who participated in last year’s championship — opening batsman Brian Sattaur, spinner Gudakesh Moti Kanhai and all-rounder Ricardo Adams,” Amsterdam said.
“With the two matches remaining, we need this trio to lead from the front, to capture our first title at this level.”
“With two matches to go we are looking to preserve our unbeaten run and go on to bring some glory to our country.”
In the final match of round five, Leeward Islands and Windward Islands will be seeking their first points when they square off at Kennedy Park.
