Big guns clash in central

LEADERS Tile It Central Sports come up against Alescon Comet today as second round matches in the Carib National League get underway across the country.

Central Sports gained promotion to the top flight this season because of their excellent performances in Division Two in 2002. In the first round of the season they defeated Police Sports Club at Presentation College, Chaguanas. The Central Boys are very confident going into the match against Comet and will be boosted by the return of the evergreen Chris Ramdat. The no-nonsense wicketkeeper/batsman who led the team to victory last season will take to the Presentation field today with his teammates looking to extend their lead at the top of the standings. Also expected to feature is opening batsman Satish Naidoo.

They have 27 points from the win against Police, while Comet collected 17 points from their drawn match against Queen’s Park. Police and Queen’s Park will meet today with both teams looking to get among the big points. Police have garnered just eight points, with the Parkites just one better. The lawmen have been a handful playing at the Barracks and Brent Augustus’ boys will need to be at the top of their game to stop the homesters. Defending champions Ceramic Trinidad Merryboys who got off to a disappointing start against First Citizens Clarke Road United, will journey to Central as Keith Arthurton and his youthful outfit eagerly await them. Merryboys have eight points and Preysal, 12.

The last Division One match will pit PowerGen against neighbours Clarke Road at Syne Village. The Powerboys, after their first innings win against Clico Preysal in the first round will be looking to continue to build on their good start, as will Clarke Road who had the better of Merryboys. In Division Two, Caroni Wanderers will be aiming to put their terrible performance against lowly Mayo out of their minds as they come up against a difficult Moosai’s Sports at the Honeymoon Recreation ground in Tunapuna. Moosai’s Sports boast the presence of former Test star Larry Gomes and national all-rounder Kelvin Williams and will prove to be a tough nut to crack, especially on home turf.