By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterST. CATHERINE will seek their first major trophy in two years when they face fellow big-hitting team Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in today's Capital & Credit limited-overs championship showdown at Sabina Park.
The match is set to start at 10:00 a.m. and will utilise the same format used in the ICC Champions Trophy to determine a winner in the event of rain. If for any reason the match is not completed today, tomorrow is set aside as a reserve day.
While the teams have generally done well this year, in both versions of the game - limited over and league - St. Catherine beat the JDF twice on first innings points, once in the preliminary round of the Supreme Ventures Super Cup and again in the semi-final.
Judging from preliminary round matches, both teams look very strong on paper, however, St. Catherine with several national representatives, believe they have the edge.
'TOUGH GAME'
Renford Pinnock Jnr., St. Catherine's skipper, described the final as a "tough game", but added "I strongly believe that man-to-man our team is better than the JDF".
He identified Wayne Cuff as their main threat.
"If we are able to contain Cuff, put the other batsmen under pressure, then we will be in with a good chance of winning the trophy."
"The guys are keyed up, the sprit in the camp is high and we are going out there to enjoy a good day's of cricket. We most definitely want to take it, but we have to be prepared ... prepare to do the hard work, stick to the game plan."
JDF's captain, Major Paul Brown also expects "... a close encounter, both sides have depth as far as bowling and batting is concerned."
Brown added: "I believe both teams are close to being equal and I think the team that plays better on the day (today) will be the victorious team, I hope that will be my team."
Both finalists are blessed with players who can change a game.
The JDF too, will be motivated to prove the national selectors made a mistake by not including any of their players in the squad's preparation for the upcoming regional championship.
Layton Brown, their coach, commented: "When we played against some of these guys they called up they are total rabbits to the JDF's players. Our bowlers let it look like they can't bat, or our batsmen make them look like they can't bowl."
FLYING START
Mel Wint, who many believe should have been called to trails, and pinch hitter Warren Medwinter, are expected to give the JDF a flying start. Cuff, Mark Grey, Damion Grey, Omar Ellington, Anthony Folkes and even fast bowler Kamal Dennis can score heavily, while Medwinter, Dennis, Cuff and Brown are expected to lead the bowling.
Tamar Lambert, Danza Hyatt, who is in good nick, captain Pinnock and Keith Hibbert for runs, should lead St. Catherine's batting charge. Fast bowler Damion Morgan has done well this season and with support from spinners Bevon Brown and Odean Brown, St. Catherine bowling is in good hands.
Brown said his team is playing good cricket and once they can continue on that path, "there is no reason why we shouldn't cap this one."
He said to beat St. Catherine, the fielding aspect of their game must improved. "We have to turn those half chances into chances and take them. I do believe, more than anything else, that is where we want to focus our increase energy on and certainly by doing that, out bowling attack is good and as long as the fielding can support the bowling, we will restrict St. Catherine."
