Coach Logie ready for Scorpions test

The Red Force played a number of their matches at the Coolidge Cricket Ground during the preliminary stage. On the other hand, the Scorpions have yet to compete at the ground after playing in Barbados during the preliminary stage.

Speaking ahead of the match Red Force coach Gus Logie said, “we look forward to our semifinal clash against Jamaica. We know how competitive the Jamaicans can be and we are preparing in every way possible for that.” Concerning the familiarity of the ground Logie said, “It is an advantage having played on it before, but I think in today’s world you have players playing in all different conditions.

We believe on both sides there are experienced players who can adjust to different situations and different conditions. I don’t see it as being too much of an advantage, but it is good to know we played on it before and we know what to expect.” The fast bowling duo of Ravi Rampaul and Shannon Gabriel have been on top of their game for the Red Force. Discussing his fast bowling pair Logie said, “Rampaul has been one of the most experienced bowlers in the past, not only for us but for the West Indies. He has shown that despite his experience, despite being in the game for a long time, he can produce the goods when it is necessary.” Logie said despite Gabriel being known for his exploits in the Test arena, he has shown his talent during the tournament. “He is more of a Test bowler, but he is showing that in the ODI (One Day International) game he is a force to be reckoned with, with pace and accuracy. At the end of the day, he will certainly need a little more variation at the end of the innings, but certainly he believes in his pace and he believes in bowling good yorkers at the death and that is what he is going to stick with.” Coach of the Scorpions Robert Samuels, said he expects some tough competition for the remainder of the tournament. Samuels said, “The top four teams are here, regardless of how you look at it you have to beat every team to win a championship. It is championship stage now, the preliminaries are over. I am looking to have two tough days, two excellent games from the oppostion.” The second semifinal tomorrow will feature Barbados Pride and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, while the final is carded for Saturday - all at the Coolidge Ground.

Squads -

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RED FORCE: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Nicholas Alexis, Sheldon Cottrell, Rayad Emrit, Shannon Gabriel, Kyle Hope, Jon-Russ Jagessar, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Kjorn Ottley, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Ravi Rampaul; Gus Logie (coach).

JAMAICA SCORPIONS: Nikita Miller (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Gavon Brown, John Campbell, Andre McCarthy, Damion Jacobs, Reynard Leveridge, Paul Palmer, Rovman Powell, Damani Sewell, Jerome Taylor, Steven Taylor, Devon Thomas, Chadwick Walton; Robert Samuels (coach).