By Calvin Roberts
In Barbados
Compliments of: Ansa Mc Al Limited, Cummings Electrical, P&P Insurance, Hanes (Guyana) Limited and Cellular Plus
With two wins from their two opening matches defending champions Guyana will face up with host Barbados at the Cable and Wireless/BET ground when third round action in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)/TCL-sponsored 2008 regional Under-19 Challenge Trophy competition commences today.
Both teams started the second round tied on points at the top of table following first round victories over the Leeward and Windward Islands respectively. However, the Guyanese took over sole ownership of the top spot when they defeated the Windward Islands in the second round while Barbados was held to a draw by Trinidad and Tobago
The Guyana team’s batting has been cause for concern during their first two matches with openers Trevon Griffith and Royan Fredericks struggling at times to come to grips with the fast pitches on the 166-square mile island.
Griffith stuck it out to make an attractive 30 in the first innings against the Windward Islands, but gifted his wicket away when he was caught in the covers whilst Fredericks also got off to a bright start but failed to carry on.
Seon Hetmyer too has struggled amidst the clamour from the management team for good scores from the top order while Jonathan Foo has promised much but delivered little.
The possibility of Jeetendra Sookdeo taking the field rests on him being fully recovered from a side strain.
Were it not for the effort of captain Eugene La Fleur who was last man out whilst making a personal best of 70 at this level in the second innings, the Guyanese would not have been able to post what turned out to be a challenging score for the Windward Islands.
Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble has been trying and along with Keon Joseph, Herman Latcha and Totaram Bishun who have all showed that they are capable customers with the bat, a total of between 275 to 350 should be on the minds of the defending champions, especially with the batting lineup of their opponents.
There is a possibility of some changes with either Royston Alkins or Dillon Heyliger making their debut for either Hetmyer or Foo while Keyron Fraser could come in for Leon Scott.
The bowling has pulled the team through so far, but fast bowler Scott is still plagued by a back injury which has affected him throughout both matches and even though he has continued to soldier on for his country, the defending champions will need a full strength team to face up against Barbados.
Joseph has shown that he has what it takes to perform at this level with his raw pace which has made him arguably the fastest bowler in the tournament. But he needs to be consistent in his line and length. The spinners Latcha and Bishun have shown their worth, but once again, consistency will be the key.
West Indies Under-19 batsman Rashidi Boucher has been the man in form for the Barbadians and, along with the promising 14-year-old Kraigg Braithwaite, captain Kyle Corbin, Maradon Benn both WI Under-19 players, Roston Chase and Randall Hoyte could provide a stern test to the tournament leaders.
Their bowlers led by speedsters Diego Stuart, Randall Hoyte and Jason Holder have all been impressive to date and with support from leg spinner Shad Simmons will be looking to dismiss their opponents cheaply on the first day.
Teams Guyana from: Eugene La Fleur (captain), Royan Fredericks, Royston Alkins, Dillon Heyliger, Trevon Griffith, Jeetendra Sookdeo, Totaram Bishun , Leon Scott, Seon Hetmyer, Jonathan Foo, Herman Latcha, Anthony Bramble, Keyron Fraser and Keon Joseph. Hubern Evans (Coach) and Alvin Johnson (manager).
Barbados from: Kyle Corbin, Jason Holder, Maradon Benn, Rashidi Boucher, Kraigg Braithwaite, Roston Chase, Dario Cummins, Randall Hoyte, Jeremy Marshall, Raymon Reifer, Shad Simmons, Kemal Smith, Diego Stuart and Dario Vaughn. (Livingstone Puckering (Manager) and Dexter Toppin (Coach)
Umpires are: A. Farrell and R. Broomes (S. Lorde standby)
