CG United Regional Super50 tourney: Scorpions, Volcanoes battle for first points

Defending Champions Jamaica Scorpions will battle the Windward Islands Volcanoes as both teams look to turn their fortunes around when they square up in tomorrow’s clash of the CG United Regional Super50 tournament in a match to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, T&T.
Both teams are hovering at the bottom of the table, and each will be looking for their first win as they battle it out.
Scorpions’ batting has been lacking venom this season, with the only bright spot being the form of Chadwick Walton. The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored two half-centuries in four innings, with a best of 94, and is the only batsman with an average above 40 in the side.
Kirk McKenzie and Rovman Powell have each scored a half-century, but their inconsistencies underscore the troubles of the Scorpions. If the Scorpions are to solve their batting issues, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Fabien Allen and Odean Smith will have to come good.

Like their batting, the Scorpions’ bowling has not been as potent as it could be, with their bowlers lacking the wicket-taking ability their talent has suggested. Shalome Parnell has taken just four wickets in 19 overs so far in his debut season; while Smith, Nicholson Gordon, Powell and Allen each have three wickets. Sheldon Cottrell and Dennis Bulli will both need to shift gear to give Scorpions a fighting chance.
The Volcanoes have not yet erupted with a match-changing performance, despite the consistency of Alick Athanaze who has scored over 200 runs this season. Jeremey Solozano has shown his value in his two innings so far, with 95 runs under his belt; while Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles have shown the young guns there is no substitute for experience.
Like those batsmen, Sunil Ambris has also registered a half-century; but, ironically, the Volcanoes have not strung together a team effort. With all showing glimpses of form, they can be a handful for the Scorpions’ bowlers should they produce collectively.
The Scorpions’ bowlers also have seemingly been sporadic in their approach, but what has stood out is the consistency of Ryan John and Darel Cyrus. Shermon Lewis, Shemar Springer, Kaveem Hodge, Kenneth Dember and Larry Edward will have their work cut out for them, as the Scorpions will no doubt be carrying the fight to their opponents.