Fatima bowl off vs Carapichaima

Defending champions Fatima will open the season against Carapichaima East at Fatima Ground in Mucurapo. Fatima lost seven of its players from last year’s championship team, but Paty is optimistic the young players can step up to the challenge.

Paty said, “We will soon find out (if they can step up to the plate). I have a good crop of young players with some of the experienced ones still there. We have to take it one game at a time.” Paty, who said winning the 50- over title is a priority, knows his team will be competitive. “We have a strong team. We should be competent, very competitive in the league. We going to try and defend the title as best as we could this year. If we can, that will be great, if not, I believe the boys will give a good account of themselves either way.” The Fatima coach said he is uncertain how strong the other teams are this season. “You only find out on the day what schools have players from last year, and who brought in new players. Nevertheless, we playing at home first which is a benefit to us, so we are looking to make a good start at home.” In the other matches today, Barrackpore West Secondary will face Naparima College at Gilbert Park in Couva, while Hillview College will tackle Trinity College East at Squadron Ground in Arouca. In the last match of the first round, Shiva Boys Hindu play Presentation College, Chaguanas at Congo Village Recreation Ground in Debe.

Following the 50-over competition, an Intercol T20 tournament will be contested.

TODAY’S FIXTURES (Start time 10 am) Barrackpore West Secondary vs Naparima College, Gilbert Park, Couva.

Carapichaima East Secondary vs Fatima College, Fatima Grounds, Mucurapo.

Hillview College vs Trinity College East, Squadron Ground, Arouca.

Shiva Boys Hindu vs Presentation College (Chaguanas), Congo Village Recreation Ground, Debe.