Under-19s regroup after defeat

The TT boys under Kavesh Kantasingh are smarting from a 74-run defeat on Wednesday against defending league champions Jamaica at Stubbs Playing Field.

But team manager Roland Sampath said yesterday in a telephone interview from St Vincent that he expects his players to regroup and focus on beating the Leeward Islands in their two-day fixture starting today at Arnos Vale.

"It was not the result we wanted in the opening match and we can’t make excuses for losing. It is our duty now to get the job done and deliver," said Sampath.

The ex-policeman was full of praise for the Trinidad and Tobago bowlers who routed the Jamaicans for 75 in their first innings through the mesmerising spin bowling of new find Sunil Narine who captured seven wickets for 18 runs.

Sampath said Rishi Bachan also proved his worth with bat and ball while medium pacer Jewan Ramroop also gave valuable support to Narine when the Jamaicans batted.

However he was critical of the batsmen who he said failed to capitalise on the foundation laid by the bowlers with only talented William Perkins, who made 25, offering any resistance as Trinidad and Tobago only managed to draw level on first innings.

Yesterday Sampath said the outfield was very heavy because of overnight rain which also seeped under the covers making it very difficult to bat.

‘We were especially hampered when we batted because of the damp nature of the pitch which caused the ball to bounce unevenly and keep low," said Sampath.

He said the Jamaicans were fortunate that when they batted for the second time as the wicket had dried out somewhat, evidenced by their overnight score of 163 for four wickets.

However the Trinidad and Tobago bowlers hit back on the last day on Wednesday taking five more wickets for the addition of just 32 runs before the Jamaicans declared.

However left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli bagged six wickets for 45 runs as Jamaica dismissed Trinidad and Tobago for 121 to win by 74 runs and pocket 12 points.

Sampath said yesterday the bowlers have always done the job for the Under-19s in regional tournaments and he hopes the batsmen can step up and do their part.

"We are going to put the loss behind us and go into the two matches remaining in the league competition with the intention to win. We are confident of turning this thing around," said Sampath. Victory in the two matches would ensure Trinidad and Tobago reaches the final of the league contest and a semi-final berth in the knock-out competition.

He said the Leewards do not particularly hold any particular threat as they were beaten by Guyana after taking a first innings lead.

‘"We do not fear Guyana either since they were more than fortunate to win that match. We believe that our team has the best chance and we are going to take it," said Sampath.