TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge
July 24, 2009

Preview – Guyana vs TT
T&T holds trump in U19 championship decider

Leaders T&T will be seeking their third TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge title, when they take on lowly-rated Guyana, in the final round of the three-day league championship, on Saturday , at Elleston Road in Kingston.

After the first four round of matches, the well-knitted and disciplined T&T outfit, lead the six-team standings with 42 points, followed by hosts Jamaica on 36 and defending champions, Barbados with 31.

The winner of the tournament will surely come from either of these three teams, with the Yannick Ottley led-T&T team, holding the ace to land the prestigious title.

A first innings lead in a drawn encounter against the opposition will be just enough to give T&T the championship.

T&T started their quest for top honours with back-to-back victories against Jamaica and the Windward Islands respectively and followed up with first innings win against Barbados and registered an emphatic innings and six run win against the Leeward Islands in the penultimate round of the series on Thursday at Chedwin Park in Spanish Town.

Holding trumps for T&T will be Yannic Cariah a technically soound attacking left-handed batsman and a wily right-arm leg-spinner, Evin Lewis a free flowing left-handed batsman, Kissoondaath Magram a 16-year-old right arm leg-break and nd googly bowler and Ottley a genuine allrounder , who is a dependable right-handed batsman and a wicket-taking left-arm spinner.

In addition to his allround ability with the bat and ball, Ottley, a member of the Clico Preysal Sports team, has shown exceptional leadership qualities which has earned him kudos from all circles in Jamaica.

However, most of the other members have contributed towards the team’s success thus far, including opening batsman Nicholas Alexis who has two half-centuries under his belt and Javid Boodram, a probing left-arm spinner.

If they all perform to their true ability, then it will be no surprise that the prestigious trophy will heading to Couva, to adorn the shelves of the T&T Cricket Board at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain.

And the head of the management committee, William Wallace and technical staff, former T&T allrounder, Kelvin Williams were high in praise for the team’s effort in their bid for championship honours.

Wallace is confident that his charges will come on top in the tournament.

“ There is no room for complacency now. The guys are well focused on the task ahead. They will have to come good to deny us,”Wallace told the Trinidad Guardian at a light training session at the National Park in downtown Kingston. Williams said that this is one of the better teams that he has worked with and the future is for them to see if they can keep their heads on their shoulders.

“ They are a multi-talented bunch of players. Today is their sternest test in the series. We have to wait to see how they will come through, although I am quietly confident that the goal and target will be achieved,” the hard-working Williams said.

The final eleven will be selected just before the scheduled start.

And although it is hinted that there may be some changes with left-arm medium pacer Aniel Harrypersad set to make his Regional Under-19 debut.

In other matches, Jamaica and Barbados will clash at Kensington Ground, while the Leewards and Windwards will meet at Melbourne.

Point standings after four rounds of matches

T&T 42 pts, Jamaica 36, Barbados 31, Leewards 24, Guyana 16, Windwards 12.