Captain Crockwell vows to regain Cup

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St. David’s captain Fiqre Crockwell says his team are “ready to get what’s ours”.

Stephen Outerbridge of Bailey’s Bay is determined to “show we’re the best team in the Eastern Counties”.

That pre-match talk is certain to ‘up the ante’ ahead of today’s second round clash at Sea Breeze Oval where the competition’s top two teams battle for the coveted trophy and the right to meet Cleveland in the final on September 1.

St. David’s have had their share of problems this season, losing four times to Bailey’s Bay, including twice last weekend.

Bay have won two trophies (Belco and Lindo’s T20) at the expense of St. David’s, who won’t need to be reminded of that when they travel to Sea Breeze Oval this morning.

They are taking a strong all-round team that includes OJ Pitcher who returned this week from school in the US, as well as Willow Cuts pair Chris Douglas and George O’Brien who come in to boost their batting and bowling.

Crockwell, captaining the team for the first time in the Counties, says his players are confident and ready for the battle. It has been three years since the teams last met in the competition, with then champions St. David’s replying to the Bay total of 252 for nine with 231 for four after OJ Pitcher hit a career-best 146 not out.

“Everybody is up for it, we’re ready to get what’s ours,” said Crockwell yesterday as the excitement grows ahead of the big clash.

The captain says Pitcher’s return “is a blessing in disguise” and certainly the team will look to his experience in the batting department. “Everybody is happy with the team, our main aim is to win the toss and send them in. When you are the challengers and bat first it is all about the timing, trying to get your runs as quick as you can and then try to get them out.”

Rain is in the forecast for this weekend and Crockwell is hoping the weather doesn’t spoil what promises to be an exciting day of cricket. “I’m kind of concerned but I just hope all the rain is gone, to tell you the truth,” said the captain.

Rain hampered both teams’ preparations this week.

“I hope a nice day brings out a good crowd and we have a nice day of cricket. I’ve been through this before, though this is my first time as captain, so I don’t get nervous anymore.”

St. David’s have plenty of variety in the bowling with Justin Pitcher, O’Brien and Rudell Pitcher leading the seam attack while Crockwell, Delyone Borden and Del Hollis are the main spinners.

Hollis was quite economical at Sea Breeze Oval last weekend, finishing with one for 24 from 10 overs after sharing the new ball with Rudell Pitcher. Justin Pitcher took three for 36 as Bay were in trouble at 104 for six before Terryn Fray’s 98 enaabled them to post a match-winning 208. Kyle Hodsoll then claimed four for 32 to lead the Bay bowling.

Today’s match takes on a whole new meaning, however.

“The cup is going back to St. David’s,” Crockwell promised.

Outerbridge says a victory is Bay’s priority. “We want to win, we want to show we’re the best team in the Eastern Counties,” he stated. “Everybody wants the bragging rights. It’s a derby match and we’ve been looking forward to it for the last three years. We want to show them we’re the best team.”

As for the threat of rain, Outerbridge said: “The Lord will take care of that, I can’t do nothing about the weather.”

Bay made two changes to their team, leaving out 14-year-old Azende Furbert who was a colt in the first round while Glenn Blakeney is out with the knee he picked up in Cup Match. Recalled for the champions are Tre Govia and Burton Outerbridge.

St. David’s team: Fiqre Crockwell (capt), OJ Pitcher, Justin Pitcher, Chris Foggo, Delyone Borden, Del Hollis, Loren Marshall, Rudell Pitcher, Sammy Robinson, George o’Brien, Chris Douglas. Res: McLaren Lowe, Ajuan Lamb, Don DeSilva.

Bailey’s Bay: Stephen Outerbridge (capt), Rodney Trott, Terryn Fray, Cal Dill, Sinclair Smith, Tre Manders, Kyle Hodsoll, Lateef Trott, Tre Govia, Dennico Hollis, Burton Outerbridge. Res: Coolridge Durham, Azende Furbert, Caleb Jon Pierre.

No Premier Division matches are scheduled for Sunday. First Division leaders Somerset entertain St. George’s while Western Stars are at home to Warwick at St. John’s Field. Young Men’s Social Club meet Somerset Bridge at PHC Field and Flatts take on PHC at St. David’s in the other matches.

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