ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Reigning champions and second-placed Barbados Pride host front-runners Guyana Jaguars in the key match of the seventh round in the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament, starting today at Kensington Oval.The rivalry between the two sides, among the oldest in the Caribbean, dates back to 1865, and has produced some of the most intriguing battles in the regional first-class game.
The outcome of the game could have a heavy bearing on the destination of the Headley/Weekes Trophy of supremacy.The Pride currently trail the Jaguars by 15 points and with such a healthy lead, the visitors would want to extend their advantage in the hunt for their first R4Day title in 17 years.
Pride have won three of the last four matches between the two sides – including their third-round contest last November.
Both squads are unchanged.
In St Lucia, the Hurricanes will attempt to avoid their seventh straight defeat this season.The Volcanoes have now become the side to watch and will be looking for their third straight victory in an effort to keep the pressure up under the two front-runners.
The Volcanoes squad is unchanged, but the Hurricanes have brought Yannick Leonard, Steve Liburd and Lyndell Richardson in to replace Colin Hamer, Montcin Hodge and Hayden Walsh Jr in a bid to jump-start their batting.Meanwhile in Jamaica, the home side and the Red Force will be seeking to recapture the early momentum when they face each other at Sabina Park.
Both teams will be looking for their batting to click, following feeble performances last weekend.Jamaica are bringing opener Shacaya Thomas and uncapped Cassius Burton in to replace Nkrumah Bonner and veteran wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh Jr.
The Red Force have turned to recovering regular captain Rayad Emrit for injured left-hander Jeremy Solozano.
