CAPTAIN Rovman Powell says a strong start is front and centre in the minds of the Jamaica Scorpions as they open their Super50 Cup title defence today against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

The match is scheduled to start at midday, Jamaica time.

“I think it’s very important to start on the right foot,” he said.

“It’s a competition that’s not long, and whenever that [is the case] an early momentum is very important to get you into the semi-finals — and once you get into the semi-finals then, obviously, you have a chance.”

While the Scorpions are to begin their campaign this afternoon, the eight-team competition got underway on Tuesday with T&T Red Force facing Combined Campuses and Colleges at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

That was followed later in the day by the Guyana Harpy Eagles versus Windward Islands Volcanoes encounter in Tarouba.

The preliminary stage will feature a round robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals from November 8 to 9; the final is slated for November 11. The semi-finals and final are to be hosted at Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

The Scorpions, who defeated the Red Force in last year’s final in Antigua, have a squad comprising seasoned campaigners.

They enter the tournament brimming with confidence despite the last-minute injury withdrawal of West Indies white-ball batsman Brandon King, who was replaced by Andre McCarthy.

The Hurricanes, captained by West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph, are expected to provide a stern challenge.

Their squad features West Indies One-Day International batsman Keacy Carty, as well as others with regional side experience including Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Kieran Powell and Hayden Walsh.

The resurgent Jamaican fast bowler Oshane Thomas, who played white-ball cricket for West Indies before falling out of favour with selectors, is also named in the Hurricanes squad.

“Playing [against] the Leeward Islands is never easy,” the 30-year-old Powell, who is also the West Indies Twenty20 skipper, said.

“They have a lot of experienced guys at the first class (regional four-day) and List A (regional 50-over) level, so definitely it will be a test for us. But I think there is quality throughout our squad so whatever they throw at us I think we should be okay,” he added.

He told the Jamaica Observer that he expects the Scorpions to rise to the occasion.

“Being defending champions, obviously you’re a target for the rest of the teams. That is sometimes a good thing when the guys embrace it, and sometimes it can be overwhelming when guys are not really up for the challenge,” Powell explained.

“But I think being defending champions has pushed a lot of confidence throughout the team, and hopefully the guys can play consistent cricket for the duration of the Super50,” he said.

Squads: Scorpions – Rovman Powell (captain), Kirk McKenzie, Chadwick Walton, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Andre McCarthy, Fabian Allen, Odean Smith, Dennis Bulli, Sheldon Cottrell, Nicholson Gordon, Jeavor Royal, Shalome Parnell, Brad Barnes

Hurricanes – Alzarri Joseph (captain), Rahkeem Cornwall, Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Terrence Warde, Daniel Doram, Karima Gore, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Kofi James, Jeremiah Louis, Kieran Powell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh