Winning has become a norm for the Guyana Jaguars and it seems as though for the past three years the pair of coach Esuan Crandon and skipper Leon Johnson have found the chemistry to inspire the Jaguars and dismantle all opposition they face in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)/ Professional Cricket League (PCL) four day tournament.
Esuan CrandonKeon Joseph
Like they did yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, where they comfortably defeated a new look Jamaica Scorpions by 181 runs in their opening clash of the tournament. And have been doing for the past two season where they won successive titles and lost only one out of a total of 21 matches. A remarkable feat.
Nevertheless the outcome of the first match was no surprise but was more like an obvious for the Jaguars as was predicted prior to the start of the season by Crandon, who was optimistic that his team would start well.
They dominated most of the four days thus the win was imminent. Their bowling department, like it has been within the last three years, was once again outstanding. The spinners, Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie with the stability of newcomer Eon Hooper led the way, collecting 16 of the 20 wickets.
Similarly the batting which has been led by Johnson in recent times along with the emergence of Rajendra Chandrika and Vishual Singh was intact, although the batsmen fell short in the first innings.
Apart from the bowling and batting department Johnson’s leadership has a major impact on the team, especially with him being an exemplary leader.
However, the biggest encouragement from the Jaguars victory should be the evolution of Keon Joseph, who bowled with immaculate control and hostility as he claimed four wickets in the match, three of which were bowled.
His performance prompted the coach to say he has matured somewhat and he will be a big asset to the team, not just as its leading fast bowler but when they have to play on faster pitches as well as gathering fast bowling points for his team.
The reigning champions next assignment is in St. Kitts against the new look and fairly stronger Leeward Hurricanes and Crandon believes, Joseph could have an even better match at Warner Park where the pitch is faster than the one at Providence and offer a lot to the faster bowlers.
Speaking on his team’s performance in the first match, the former first class player, said he is elated that it went the way he predicted and it is a matter of consistency that could take them to their goal, which is to complete the three peat.
He also stated that the transformation of the Jaguars in the last three years came on the basis of hard work, dedication and respect for the game.
Crandon and Johnson in their capacities have found the formula and are a part of that formula for the Jaguars’ success.
