Scorpions coach wary of wily Hurricanes
Third-placed Jamaica Scorpions are targeting their second win in as many outings when they welcome second-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes to Sabina Park in the much-anticipated fifth-round regional four-day match starting Wednesday.
The Andrew Richardson-coached Scorpions defeated West Indies Academy at Sabina Park last week to climb to 50.2 points on the eight-team table.
The Hurricanes, coached by former West Indies batsman Stuart Williams, lost their first-round match, but have been dominant since, with three straight victories lifting them to 64.2 points.
Richardson said the Scorpions should expect a tough battle against a seasoned Hurricanes squad which also has a blend of youth, including standout West Indies Under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman Jewel Andrew.
“We back our game plan and our skill, but we have to be a lot more consistent and patient in order to get the results we are looking for. Looking at the Leewards, you’ll see some players who are quite experienced,” he told the Jamaica Observer on the eve of the match.
He noted the Scorpions bowling has been off colour at times this season, and needs to improve, while urging the batsman to build around Captain Brandon King, who made match-winning contributions of 77 and 65 against the academy team.
The Hurricanes boast a number of players with West Indies senior team experience, including their captain and off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall. But Winston Cornwall, the Hurricanes team manager and assistant coach, insisted they will not be complacent.
“We certainly want to come here and continue in the manner we have been carrying on so far. We’re not taking anybody for granted — we know Jamaica have very good cricketers who [are] playing in this tournament, so we have been getting our game plans together for this match,” he said.
The Hurricanes assistant coach said the loss to the academy team was a much-needed “kick up the back side” which they have learnt from.
The Windward Islands Volcanoes, on 67.4 points, are narrowly ahead of the Hurricanes. Barbados Pride (48.2 points) are fourth, followed by Trinidad & Tobago Red Force (47.2), title holders Guyana Harpy Eagles (46.2), West Indies Academy (30.8) and Combined Campuses and Colleges (19.8).
Squads: Scorpions — Brandon King (captain), Peat Salmon (vice-captain), Carlos Brown, Kirk McKenzie, Jermaine Blackwood, Leroy Lugg, Romaine Morris, Abhijai Mansingh, Derval Green, Marquino Mindley, Ojay Shields, Jeavor Royal, Ramaal Lewis.
Hurricanes — Rahkeem Cornwall (captain), Keacy Carty (vice-captain), Kieran Powell, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Jewel Andrew, Jeremiah Louis, Daniel Doram, Hayden Walsh, Colin Archibald, Oshane Thomas, Mikyle Louis, Nathan Edwards.
ROUND FIVE SCHEDULE (March 20-23)
Scorpions vs Hurricanes
Red Force vs Barbados Pride
Harpy Eagles vs Volcanoes
WI Academy vs CCC