Match Preview: Botanical Gardens Rangers vs La Soufriere Hikers – 2nd Match VPL 5
The finalists from the last edition are up and ready to battle each other again in what is suppose to be a highly anticipated contest. Rangers will be looking for revenge. Hikers on the other hand usually play their best Cricket at the backend of the tournament – early upsets usually don’t seem to bother them! Hikers have one big change this year as they are without their three time winning Coach Irvin Warrican, who sadly passed away. In honour of his legacy, the trophy has been named the Irvin Warrican cup.
In The Spotlight
Rangers are a power packed side – boasting the likes of Andre Fletcher, Ravendra Persaud, Roshon Primus, Tijourn Pope, Roneil Jeffrey and Keron Cottoy. They also have stylish and finesse players in Wayne Harper and Atticus Browne. The tricky part for Rangers will be how they use their batting options – the plus side of this is that if anyone is out of form, they have options to replace them in the batting order. Rangers look a bit lack in the seam bowling department and will rely heavily on captain Kesrick Williams. Ravendra Persaud, Keron Cottoy, Atticus Browne and Kenneth Dember are crafty enough to lead the spin department, however, Rangers will be without Dember for this game.
Hikers are without Desron Maloney, Dillon Douglas and Andrew Thomas – three of their key players. Automatically, one would say advantage to Rangers but Hikers still have proven match winners. Jonathan Carter, stylish left hander and West Indies cap holder is their overseas player capable of making a big impact. Othneil Lewis has been destructive in their middle order and Jeheil Walters is coming off an impressive local season. Urnel Thomas was the MVP of the 1st edition of VPL and Andre Hunte is one of the most powerful hitters in local cricket. One of the key to Hikers success has been their spin bowling options and they are loaded with them – Larry Edwards, Othneil Lewis, O’Jay Matthews, Jeremy Haywood and Andre Hunte are all impressive in their own right. Rayan Williams was the top seamer in the last VPL and the young Aleon Caesar bowls briskly so the options are numerous.
Form Guide
Botanical Gardens Rangers: L W L
La Soufriere Hikers: W W W
Weather
The weather forecast is set to have intervals of sunshine and clouds. While rain has been around, showers have been brief and isn’t expected to have a significant impact on the match.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch is usually hard and good for stroke making, however, rain has been around the past few days and the covers would have been on the pitch a bit more than expected. However, with a midday start, any moisture possible will probably be gone.
Probable XI
Salt Pond Breakers: Kesrick Williams, Andre Fletcher, Keron Cottoy, Wayne Harper, Roneil Jeffrey, Roshon Primus, Ravendra Persaud, Atticus Browne, Jerron John, Tijourn Pope, Atticus Browne
La Soufriere Hikers: Jeheil Walters, Jonathan Carter, Othneil Lewis, Rayan Williams, Larry Edwards, Jeremy Haywood, O’Jay Matthews, Aleon Caesar, Andre Hunte, Urnel Thomas, Reshawn Lewis