Captain of the Guyana Under-19 girls team Plaffiana Millington said yesterday that she was confident that her young team will give a good account of itself at the Regional U19 Invitational Women’s Twenty20 tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.
The team, sponsored by Top Brandz Distributors, winged out for the twin-island republic yesterday ahead of today’s first match against Bar bados.
According to Millington, what her team lacks in experience, they make up in talent.
“The girls are young but they have a lot of talent which I think they should put into good use when they are given the opportunity to showcase their talent. I’m also sure they will be good assets to the team which will help us to be successful,” she said in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
The off-spinner, who has played for the Guyana Women’s team on a number of occasions, said that she was aware that her experience will be called upon and admitted to knowing that leading from the front is important.
“It’s like I have 13 children in my hands to lead so it’s important for me to act like a senior player, leading by example both on and off the field.
“It’s very important for me to lead from the front because all eyes will be on me whether I’m doing the right or wrong thing so I have to be on a positive mindset,” she added.
The players were encamped for a few days at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Training Facility.
However, Millington said she believes that the time was a bit short but was nevertheless optimistic that they will do well for their country.
“Our preparation time was very short for this tournament but we still made use of the short time we had and we put in some extra hard work. The girls showed a lot of interest and looked like they knew what they are about because all of our training sessions were positive and the girls worked along well.”
While the tournament provides the players with a chance of making the final cut for the Women’s senior team ahead of next month’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional limited overs tournament to be held in Guyana, the Berbician said it was especially important for her to do well over the next few days in order to keep herself in contention for a spot.
“I’m definitely looking forward to joining the senior team when I return back to Guyana. I’ve been working hard for the last few months on my game both mentally and physically. I also played a few club matches in Trinidad to improve my game.
“It’s like coach Percival (Andre) always say to us; pick yourself in a team, be positive about yourself, so, I’m picking myself in the senior team this year and I plan to play to the best of my ability.”
Guyana U19 Girls squad: Plaffiana Millington (captain), Mandy Mangru (VC), Deborah Vanderstoop, Sheneta Grimmond, Amanda Persaud, Shabika Gajnabi, Kaysia Shultz, Lafona Gilgeous, Aleema Arokium (wicket-keeper), Marian Samaroo, Yogeeta Balkishun, Tasleema Bacchus, Russhanna Lynch, and Dian Prahalad. The Manager is Devika Gobin and the Coach is Julian Moore.
Today
T&T vs. Windwards, Gilbert Park, 9.30 a.m.
Barbados vs. Guyana, National Cricket Centre, 9.30 a.m.
T&T vs. Guyana, Gilbert Park, 2.30 p.m.
Barbados vs. Windwards, National Cricket Centre, 2.30 p.m.
Friday
T&T vs. Barbados, National Cricket Centre, 9.30 a.m.
Windwards vs. Guyana, Gilbert Park, 9.30 a.m.
Semi-final 1, Gilbert Park, 2.30 p.m.
Semi-final 2, National Cricket Centre, 2.30 p.m.
Saturday
Third-place playoff, Gilbert Park, 9.30 a.m.
Final, National Cricket Centre, 9.30 a.m.
