Coach of the Guyana Under-19s, Julian Moore says they are upbeat about their chances of winning the Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 50 overs tournament for the sixth consecutive year.
“The mood is great. We’re pretty upbeat and confident of our chances. The guys are just eager to get out there Sunday (today) and defend our title,” Moore told Stabroek Sport from St Vincent and the Grenadines where they won the title last year.
Moore based his confidence in the 14-member team on their combination of experience and determination, with eight players from the successful side in 2018 returning.
“I think it’s a good team, a well-balanced side. Obviously with eight returning players, it gives a lot of experience and continuity in what we are trying to achieve. You can find in every department there is an experienced guy or two there to take charge and lead in their respective area,” Moore said.
However, the Level Three coach was cognisant that the return of so much players does not guarantee them the title.
When asked whether the return of those players have added an advantage to his side, Moore responded by asserting, “Yes, I think it’s a plus for us but it’s also going to be challenge. Having experience is a huge advantage but it guarantees us nothing. It’s about us going through the process of playing good cricket and putting ourselves in the best position to win every game and eventually the tournament. Every team is here to win and obviously they’ll have their eyes on us but I think it’s a challenge the guys welcome and are excited about.”
While the team’s preparation has been hampered by the weather, Moore was still optimistic of their build up ahead of the tournament.
“I thought we managed to make the best of what we had given the inclement weather. We had a few net sessions at the indoor facility, some fielding session at the stadium and managed to get in some physical work but ideally, we wanted to do much more. I thought the two warm-up matches that were washed out was an opportunity missed for the guys to get some time in the middle since they would have been a little match rusty but in saying that, I think we really doubled our efforts in getting as much in as we could have,” Moore opined.
The Guyana side will be led by West Indies Under-19 left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd and will feature fellow left arm spinners, Kelvin Umroa and Daniel Mootoo. The team also features all-rounders, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Sachin Singh, Alphius Bookie, Seon Glasgow and Joel Spooner while top order batsmen Alex Algoo and Adrian Hinds along with Garfield Benjamin are in the mix.
With seamers needing to account for 40 per cent of the overs, Qumar Torrington and Leon Swamy will lead from the front with support coming from Anderson, Singh and Bookie.
Guyana will open their title defence against the Windwards today at Arnos Vale.
