On Monday the Guyana Jaguars found themselves on familiar hunting grounds, they defeated Jamaica Scorpions by 181 runs to win their opening match of the Regional Four Day first class season. Subsequent to their victory skipper of the team Leon Johnson said he is elated with his team’s performance.
According to Johnson the start was good but he is somewhat disappointed with the first innings score as he believe they should have made a score of 350 plus. “The start has been good, just a bit disappointed with our first innings score. Thought we set ourselves well at 220-2 and with our batting, should have gotten 350 plus, but overall I’m happy we batted well in both innings and that’s a positive for us. The wicket here at Providence gets difficult as the game progress and we still manage to put 238-4 declared on the board in the second innings.”
Leon Johnson
The West Indies player commended his bowlers for sticking to the plan and was particularly impressed by fast bowler Keon Joseph, who was hostile and maintained control throughout the match as he ended with four wickets.
Guyana will now face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in St. Kitts at Warner Park on a surface that is faster than the one at Providence. The last time the two teams met the match ended in a draw, one of the few draws the Jaguars have been involved in. the Hurricanes have also fielded a fairly stronger team in the first match than they did for the previous two seasons so it is expected to be an exciting match between the two sides.
Johnson is not writing off the host, who he believes has always fielded good players but have failed to win matches. However, he is banking on his team to execute well to have a favourable outcome.
According to the 29 year old left handed batsman, his main focus remains to be an exemplary leader and an area where he could do such, is by scoring runs.
Like last year he would like to finish among the top run getters, but believe it is a process that follows hard work and consistency.
The Professional Cricket League is in its third year, the Jaguars have won the League in its first two years under Johnson’s leadership and is on a journey to complete an unprecedented three peat.
