We have been in and around the teams and also amongst the many fans at the tournament. We have heard mixed reviews about the tournament but at the end of the night, those same individuals were happy to see the teams compete especially when their team had done well.
Okay! So we are here! Second Stage! Who will win? We don’t know and cannot predict this one. However, we can assure you that it will be worth your $10 at the gate.
The reason for our view is that you literally cannot separate these four teams. They have all played 4 games, won 3 and lost 1. Am sure you probably have never seen this anywhere before. But you have seen it in this tournament. The teams are evenly matched with youth, skills, experience, and talent.
Each team has played to its strengths and at times have shown their vulnerabilities. They all have lost a game in which they just did not look the part. They just didn’t show up to play on the day. We saw this with Team Liberta against Rising Sun; Team Rising Sun against Jennings; Team Bethesda against Piggott. It shows that under pressure, these teams can buckle and lose ugly.
How The Teams Shape Up
In our opinion, the team that will be a handful is Liberta Blackhawks even though many may think they are currently a one-man team (Kofi James), due to his prolific run with both bat and ball. He is amongst the runs and wickets leading like a true leader.
The second team to watch is the Bethesda Golden Eagles. Their batsmen have not fired as many would have expected, more notably Devon ‘Boobie’ Thomas. He has struggled to free himself and has been below par which is unbelievable for a player of his caliber.
Rising Sun looks like a good bowling group and they have been possibly the most disciplined unit of the tournament regarding extras. The experienced Amos Isiah Bruney has been very effective with his right arm-off spin. He has been extremely tight with his line and length not giving anything away.
Finally, the New Winthorpes Lions will go into this round as the underdogs. This is due to many persons predicting Empire and Bethesda qualifying from Group Two. But they have played good cricket. They played all-round cricket by setting and chasing big totals compared to the other teams. Jamaul Fernandez’s all-around ability has been a factor for the Lions and their success at the next round depends on just that.
Players To Watch
Liberta Blackhawks – Kofi James- He has been their more most consistent player with the most runs and wickets for the team. He is a live wire in the field as well so should he get the opportunity to score, he may just end up as the tournament’s MVP.
The next player to look at is Miandre James who has bowled brilliantly using his height to good effect on the slow pitches at the stadium. He has been well spoken of by the commentators and has been tipped as a fast bowler for the future.
Bethesda Golden Eagles – Devon ‘Boobie’ Thomas has had an underwhelming performance so far but he can be compared to a dormant volcano. He is a classy player and should he get a wicket where the ball comes on nicely to the bat, he will be able to change the outlook of the Eagles.
In this format, the economy rate of bowlers is extremely important and Former West Indies Leg Spinner, Anthony Martin has shown his experience and skill to limit no more than 4 runs out of the overs he has bowled in the tournament. He will certainly be a handful for teams regardless of the pitch played on come game time.
Rising Sun Spartans – Melvin Charles is currently averaging 6 runs per innings but does not let this statistic fool you. A player that could quickly change the game due to his quick hand speed and hand-eye coordination. Should he come to the match prepared and free of mind, he can take apart some of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.
The easygoing, short diminutive figure of Amos Isiah Bruney makes many think he is just an average cricketer but is usually left dumbfounded by his consistent straight balls. He plays the game simple. He bowls straight, you play for a turn, you miss, he hits.
New Winthorpes Lions – Jamaul Fernandez is a solid all-round talent with the ability to hit big sixes and can swing the ball both ways along with cutters which have proven to be more than a handful for batters. If he clicks, chances are that New Winthorpes may upset a few teams.
The Leeward Islands Fast Bowler Nino Henry has had a bit of a hit and miss tournament but not to be taken for granted. He is another under-rated bowling allrounder who can bat and score quickly. He will need to bring out his A-game to help his team win the competition.
Playing Conditions
According to Accuweather, it should be a lovely weekend for cricket with little in the way of rain. Only one game has been drawn due to inclement weather so teams can play freely without the thought of rain.
The pitches have been pretty decent for both sides: batting and bowling. Batting – if the team applies itself and sticks to the plan to rotate the strike and put away bad balls when delivered. Bowling – if the team keeps it simple and bowl straight. Standing from the South Stand, the pitch to the west will be the most preferable for the batsmen as it is more conducive to strokeplay. However, the pitch to the east that was used recently is possibly a bit tired now but was generally two-paced.
Finally, the dew may play a factor as the combination of hot days and cold evenings has dropped quite a bit of dew on the field of play. It is important for teams to be equipped with dry cloths to address the issue of a wet ball or bowlers could find a hard time gripping and controlling the ball.
In summary, the teams that have played the best cricket are in the final stage and deservedly so. Will the Blackhawks take the food of the Golden Eagles or will the Golden Eagles rise to higher levels than the Blackhawks cannot rise too? Can the armor of the Spartans withstand the power and strength of the Lions or will the Lions lose their status as the King of the Jungle? It’s Cricket Lovely Cricket.