Jamaica’s cricketers departed the island yesterday to compete in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regional Under-19 tournament in Guyana and fastbowler James McDonald is confident the team can put in a strong showing.

The towering 17-year-old Jamaica College student, who won the Class One javelin event at the Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships earlier this year, said patience will be key on pitches that are expected to favour the faster bowlers.

“It’s an honour for me to play for Jamaica and I think we will do well. I’ve heard that the pitches are low are slow, but we have to be patient.

“I’ll go out and try my best and just allow my talent to come through. If I play and I don’t get many wickets then I have to keep things tight. I think if I can keep patient and be consistent with my line and length things will be fine,” the powerfully-built six-footer told the Observer on Thursday.

Coached by Robert Samuels, the Jamaicans were largely disappointing in last year’s tournament and failed to finish in the top three in the three-day competition.

They improved in the 50-overs format to place second and team manager and chairman of selectors Wavell Hinds is looking for bigger things during this year’s July 18-August 15 tournament.

“They (the players) have gelled together during those two months of preparation and I expect them to challenge for the title. Based on our cricketing legacy and being eight-time winners, every time a Jamaica team goes out you expect them to do well,” he said.

Captain and wrist-spinner Donavan Nelson and batsmen John Campbell and Ramon Senior are on West Indies Youth duties in the United States and will later join the rest of the squad, which is completed by: Brian Gayle, Teswayne Creary, Ravmon Powell, Raghni Francis, Tajae Edwards, Christna Graham, Oshane Walters, James McDonald, Marquino Mindley, Fabian Allen and Aldayne Thomas.

Coach: Robert Samuels; Manager: Wavell Hinds.