With a number of players currently in Antigua as part of the invitational T20 tourney and a few preparing for international duties, the remaining two rounds of the Jaguars 3-Day League could be very important for players and franchises alike.
Franchises heading into round six which bowls off today at three venues 6 will more than likely be fielding new teams after the departure of nearly 20 players, led by national captain Leon Johnson who will play against Jamaica and hosts Antigua in the 2nd annual edition of the tournament.
Shiv Chanderpaul
Georgetown who plays West Berbice at Bushlot Ground, Berbice will be without their captain Leon Johnson, opener Robin Bacchus, all-rounder Christopher Barnwell, both of whom were instrumental in their team’s last win and Jamaican all-rounder Ramaal Lewis. Meanwhile, fast-bowler Paul Wintz was named as Johnson’s replacement for the Georgetown franchise
The in-form team and current table leaders Essequibo have a decent lead over the competition but heading into battle against a winless East Coast team even without their power players like; Ricardo Adams, Kemo Paul and Ronsford Beaton could be a good opportunity for any of their players who are yet to feature.
Although not officially confirmed, the prospects of a returning Shiv Chanderpaul fresh off scoring 800-plus runs during his English County stint with Lancashire, playing for Essequibo this round is highly likely after sources confirmed the 43 year-old batting legend could indeed play for the table leaders.
Their opponents East Coast on the other hand, have failed to win a single game and with one round remaining after this, their only loss is that of Chandrapaul Hemraj which could result in a knock for one of their talents who have yet to feature.
After storming to a commanding win innings and 114-run win in the last round against East Coast, Lower Corentyne will suffer heave blows after the losses of; Jonathon Foo who scored 152 in the last game, in-form batsman Gajanand Singh and their key bowler, Veerasammy Permaul.
The East Bank franchise will be another whose progression could be hampered after their pair of match-winners in; Steven Jacobs and Sherfane Rutherford will not play in this round while Upper Corentyne will play without national wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble and West Indies leg spinner, Devendra Bishoo.
Essequibo have accumulated 71.4 points and sit in top spot with Lower Corentyne who have 60.4 points, trailing closely by 11 points. In third position, West Demerara are on 49.9 points while Georgetown remains in fourth position with 48.5, as a winless East Coast Demerara languish in last place.
Georgetown and West Berbice will face off at Bush Lot, while Upper Corentyne tackles Upper Demerara/East Bank at Port Mourant. Lower Corentyne will clash with West Demerara at Young Warriors, with all matches from 09:30 hours today.Meanwhile, Essequibo team takes on East Coast Demerara at Tuschen, from Saturday from 9:30 hours.
Teams confirmed are; Georgetown- Raymond Perez, Sunil Singh, Martin Pestano-Belle, Ovid Richardson, Marvan Prasad, Dexter Solomon (V. Capt), Paul Wintz (Capt), Steven Sankar, Ashmead Nedd, Kellon Carmichael, Gajanan Suknanan, Devon Lord, Nkosie Barker, Qumar Torrington and Travis Mohamed.
West Berbice- Sherwyn McPherson, Gudakesh Motie, Raffel Estraido, Arthley Bailey, Andrew Dutchin, Avishkhar Sewkarran, Steffon Adams, Ceon Glasgow, Renision Mitcheal, Derick Mc Calmon, Stephen Harris, Leon Andrews, Quacey Mcpherson and Javed Karin.
