Match Preview – Finals: La Soufriere Hikers vs Botanical Gardens Rangers – 30th Match VPL 4
This is the game everyone has been waiting for, the much anticipated final of VPL 4.
It is the first time that the Rangers are finalist and they no doubt will have some nerves heading into it. What they have though, is a ton load of experience in their ranks that is irreplaceable. In Kesrick Williams, Keron Cottoy, Kenneth Dember and Larry Edwards, they have four active first class players plus they are being led by former West Indian fast bowler Nixon McLean.
Hikers may not be boasting as much experience as the Rangers but they are now the only team to make it to all the finals of the VPL. They have won it twice and will no doubt be looking for their 3rd title and the coveted price of XCD $25,000. They are the team with the biggest fan following and you can expect a lot of support in the stands for them.
In The Spotlight
Hikers are on top of their game and they don’t look like stopping. They are well on course to bag their 3rd title but they won’t want to get their hopes up because we all know how the game of Cricket is. Hikers have form batsmen in Pope, Douglas and Hodge. They have all been getting their runs at a blistering pace. Rayan Williams continue to lead the pack in terms of wicket taking and has been instrumental in denting the opposition during the middle overs. As Williams is to the middle phase with the ball, Hodge is to the start of the innings, usually bowling tidy overs and keeping the opposition in check. Othneil Lewis started the tournament scratchy but has found back his miserly touch with the ball in his more recent games. They however would love him to get back his big hitting ability.
Rangers are first time finalist and would be in a pumped up mood heading into this game. It means a lot to them and they have their eyes firmly set on the title. Although Andre Fletcher is a big loss, they have good hitters in their ranks who can turn a game. Rangers have opted to strengthen their batting lineup with the inclusion of Alex Samuel and Tijorn Pope – this will give them more ammunition to set or hunt down bigger totals. One of the major reasons why Rangers pulled through the 2nd eliminator is due to contributions from the lesser known players, Tijorn Pope with the bat and Razine Browne with the ball. Once Rangers can get a good game from such players, along with the vast amount of experience in their ranks, they will be well on their way to seriously challenge favourite Hikers for the coveted trophy.
One thing is for certain, this match will either be a humdinger or a one sided affair, you can be sure of that!
Form Guide
La Soufriere Hikers: W W W
Botanical Gardens Rangers: W L W
Weather
The weather forecast is looking fine with very little chance of rain playing any part in the match.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch for this match is usually good to bat on but there is assistance for the spin bowlers.
Probable XI
La Soufriere Hikers: Desron Maloney, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis, Gidron Pope, Kavem Hodge, Jeremy Layne, Nigel Small, Rayan Williams, Jeheil Walters, Andrew Thomas, Kemron Strough
Botanical Gardens Rangers: Kesrick Williams, Salvan Browne, Mickel Joseph, Keron Cottoy, Wayne Harper, Kenneth Dember, Razine Browne, Larry Edwards, Alex Samuel, Tijorn Pope, Winston Samuel