The Set Up
We were privileged to witness quite an interesting T10 Splash in last December, where team progressed from both zones due to net run rate. It seems as if we are in for some very interesting games in the upcoming three games.
Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and no one team would believe that the expected frontrunners (Empire Nation and Liberta Blackhawks) would not be in the top 4 positions. Both of them have found themselves in unusual places at this stage of the competition. One may say you can’t class Liberta with Empire, but we must, due to the fact that these two teams have won the most competitions for the past 10 years.
The two teams are on 12 points with Bethesda Golden Eagles resting somewhat comfortably on 22 points, closely followed by the New Winthorpes Lions on 18 points. All Saints Pythons are on 16 while Jennings are on 14 points. To add to the spectacle, Pigotts also have 12 points and have the chance to progress to the semifinal stage. The next three teams have no hope of progressing even if they won all their games they would not have enough points to get into the top 4.
Any team (New Winthorpes & Bethesda) that reaches or passes 24 points on Saturday can literally say that they have progressed to the semifinals. Fortunately so, Bethesda is on 22 points with New Winthorpes closely behind on 20 points. Just one win for each on the weekend and both will be through to the next round. Funny enough, the two will meet on Saturday on Round 7 which will be a match you don’t want to miss.
Table Topper – Lions vs Golden Eagles
Bethesda and New Winthorpes have played the best cricket thus far in the competition. They have both been clinical versus the small teams and were able to do all the right things when they met the bigger teams. Both have beaten the Empire Nation and Liberta Blackhawks which are easily considered the top cricket clubs in Antigua & Barbuda. Additionally, their players are in the top 10 of both the batting and bowling statistics.
The Golden Eagles have been led valiantly by not only the leadership of Deran Benta but his contribution with the bat and at one time with the ball. He has so far accumulated over 350 runs with a strike rate over 100 and batting average of 88 runs. No doubt he has been the team’s talisman. Notable contributions have been made throughout the team and it has assisted in their success. Essan Warner have contributed with both bat and ball while Anthony “I-roots” Martin, Kelvin Pitman and Tehrique Mason have done solely with the ball.
In the case of the Lions, Nino Henry led brilliantly during his short stint for the season due to regional duties. He didn’t get a bag of wickets like he would have normally done in previous seasons, but he led mainly with the bat this time around, scoring quick runs when needed. He was adjudged Player of Week One after his dynamic performances in those games. His team have however championed on without him and have never looked back after losing their first encounter.
But the likes of Ian Eusebe, Shavon Moore, Ishmael Peters and host have all came to the party when needed allowing the Lions to strengthen its roar. This match is poised to be a thrilling one that you will just need to be there to witness.
Different Season…Same Foe
For the past 10 years, the rivalry between Liberta Blackhawks and Empire Nation has never died and probably never will. The Blackhawks is the best cricketing team on island, it is a fact and they have more than enough trophies to show. They have dominated Empire year after year, season after season but Empire did beat them in the last Super 40 Final truth be told.
The precarious position both find themselves in is truly appalling and just show that cricket is one of the great humblers. Liberta Blackhawks lost their first three encounters in games which they should have won, yet found a way to lose, but won their last three games. Nation won their first two games, lost the two games after, then won the next game and lost their last. You just cant make this up.
It is quite obvious that whoever loses this encounter on Saturday is likely not to progress to the finals stage. It seems as if the Blackhawks have found their way since they have won their last three games. This has been made possible by the likes of Captain Kofi James, Karima Gore, Amahl Nathaniel and Avier Christian. If they did not contribute with the bat they would have contributed with the ball which indicates that these are the in-form players for the team.
The defending champions Empire Nation have had a very dismal performance in this year’s competition. Fittingly so, only one of their batsmen are in the top ten for batting statistics which explains why they have not reach the score of 200 in six games.
Their best player has been Cleton Payne (Former Liberta player) who have played some fighting knocks to the benefit of his team and followed up with the ball when called upon. Additionally, Kenrick Scott and Justin Athanaze just have not produced any great output knowing their potential.
Based on paper, Empire would beat Liberta in their encounter but based off current form Liberta has the upper hand. This will be a literal knockout game and who loses can safely say they are out of the competition.
Jennings, Pigotts & All Saints Troubles!
Jennings have played some very competitive cricket but have lost to the big teams like Liberta and Empire and will have to play good cricket to win their next two encounters. All Saints and Pigotts will not just rollover to allow them to go through. They will need to dig deep in order to win these two games.
D’ahri Francis is an absolute talent if looked after properly. He has been the best player for the team. He is their first choice wicketkeeper, a handy off-spinner and has the highest strike rate for batsmen with over 100 runs in 4 innings or more. Winston Nelson, Orlando Peters and Cameron Miller will need to be at their best to help the team to advance to the next stage
Pigotts Crushers are in similar circumstances when compared to Empire Nation and Liberta Blackhawks. They too are on 12 point and need to win their last three games but like we have been say earlier, they will have to earn their wins. They may say that they have an easy game against Bolans on Saturday but young quick Taiem Tonge can easily make their lives miserable. He has been expensive but has had a ridiculously good strike rate taking a wicket every two overs. Their next game will be against Jennings on Sunday who is just as desperate for a string of wins to help them to advance.
In order for them to progress through to the semifinals stage, they will need their captain, Elroy Francis Jr. to be at his best. He is their best player and needs to inspire his team. They have a pretty balance unit with seniors and young blood but they will need to fire on all cylinders in their last three games.
Finally, we make mention of the All Saint Pythons who have lost big games but won the others thus far. However, they will have a tough task ahead of them which will not be an easy feat to achieve. They will play hungry Lions, powerful Golden Eagles and desperate Jennings side. None of these teams are going to decide to play bad cricket now when it’s crunch time. It is highly unlikely. Don’t get me wrong, they can beat any team but they can also flop and flop badly. To add to this dilemma, their next games will be played away in unfamiliar territory which means the home teams will have the advantage.
They will more than likey be depending on the veterans in the team such as Kerry Mentore and Larry Joseph. These two have played at the highest levels in the region so no doubt they will be able to impact the games massively if they get going. The team is filled with talent but more often than not, it is the discipline of the youth that brings about their downfall. If the youngsters hold their own, they will win their games and progress to the next stage. Unlike the previous four teams we spoke about who need three wins from three games, Pythons need just two wins.
Conclusion
We wish we could tell you what would happen and predict this game of glorious uncertainties. We are just interested in good, clean cricket being played and that the players perform well so that they are selected to go on further and one day, represent the West Indies. Again, no one has booked a place in the semifinals just yet, but for sure whoever wins the Bethesda and New Winthorpes game certainly will. Stay tuned for more!