Guyana peaking at right time

ST JOHN’S: Guyana is confident that they can improve on their indifferent showing in the group stage and go on to do well in semi-finals of the Red Stripe Bowl limited overs cricket competition in Jamaica later this week.

The Guyanese, who had to beat Antigua and Barbuda in their last Zone “B” match on Sunday to qualify for the final four, will oppose the Jamaicans, winners of Zone “A,” in the first semi-final on Thursday at Kaiser. Coach Carl Moore said if his bowlers perform well, then they can surprise the Jamaicans. “We didn’t start as well as we should. The bowling was not on target but we are pleased we are going into semi-finals feeling we can win it,” he said on reflection of his team’s performance in their group. “Zone B was very competitive, more than I thought before I came. Except for maybe using one ground everything was okay. Even the one ground wasn’t too bad but you find that in most cases the  team batting first would be a little disadvantaged. “It is a very good feeling to know that our team could make the semi-finals of the Red Stripe Bowl this year. It feels good.”

Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul said the semi-finals, and eventually the finals, could bring the best out of his side. “We have to do some work on our overall cricket and try and improve all round and get better,” said the Windies batsman. He said the win against the Antiguans was important for his side.  “It was a good win for us. We didn’t play as well as we are capable of. Our bowling in the beginning was a little bit ragged although we managed to get some wickets and then in the end with batting I think we should have knocked off (the runs) a little bit earlier. I hope we can carry on the winning streak to Jamaica.” He agreed that the toss helped his team’s chance of beating the Antiguans.  “It was a good toss to win. Sending in Antigua was a good choice.” Moore believes the competition should be extended but said that might create a problem for the administrators.  “I don’t know how financially feasible that is because the West Indies Board seems to be unable to find sponsorship for a longer season. Ideally we should have a longer season,” Moore said. Guyana won the Red Stripe Bowl in 2001 and lost the title to Barbados last year.