Georgetown franchise Coach Clive Grimmond is optimistic his team can regroup following a loss and Thursday’s rained out affair versus table leaders Essequibo when round two of the 2017 Jaguars 50 Overs League continued.
After suffering a huge 131-run loss in the first round at the hands of Lower Corentyne, Georgetown were seeking to retaliate against current table-toppers Essequibo in round two before rain washed out the Everest Cricket Ground as well as the encounter.
After the match was called off by officials due to the waterlogged outfield, Grimmond told <<<Guyana Times Sport>>> that he was a bit disappointed about the washed out game as his team was eager to go out and make amends for a disastrous opening round.
First game we lost, but we have a strong side and I had a chat with the guys so it’s just pick up and go from here. We’re just a bit disappointed about today’s weather, so it’s a point each for both teams and we’ll be looking forward to the upcoming rounds”, said the Coach.
Clive Grimmond doing some work with Guyana/Georgetown skipper Leon Johnson
Following the Regional 4-Day break which runs a little over a week, the Guyana Jaguars players have not slacked up and as such majority of them have already turned out for their respective franchises; including Georgetown skipper Leon Johnson who’s now back with his team for a few matches.
Grimmond believed that with Johnson back in the side, even if it’s temporary; the team will rally around the national cricket captain and find their groove before the tournament concludes. “Having the skipper back is a big boost, he’s a very serious man and he’s very enthusiastic about his cricket, I would have love to see them perform under him today (Thursday) but as I said the weather took its toll”.
Despite a bevy of stars in their side, Georgetown currently sits in 7th spot, a position higher than the last placed team East Coast, following the two rounds but their Coach is nevertheless upbeat about the franchise improving their cricket individually and as a team.
He was also cautious about the approach taken thus far by most teams, with regards to their overly aggressive batting which has so far resulted in teams ending up with low totals, adding that he wants his players to bat aggressively but sensibility and play out their allotted 50 overs.
“As I said the one day squad is a very good team on paper but we can’t just play off of paper, the spin bowling department is so strong that even a guy like Gajanan Suknanan can’t make the side. Our batting is strong; we have about five openers but our team talk and practice we would try to talk about what we need to do”. He ended.
