BECKFORD
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Jamaica, with maximum points from their two matches, will take on Barbados in the marquee final round fixture of the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge at the Arnos Vale Playing Field today.
The Jamaicans, with victories against Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands, are expected to continue in that same vein and qualify for the final from Group A.
The Jamie Trenchfield-led team has played positive cricket thus far in the tournament and again will be looking towards top leg-spinner Alton Beckford to lead the charge.
He, along with fellow spinner Dennis Bulli, have tormented their opposition in the tournament and much will depend upon them against a Barbados batting line-up that is yet to show its worth.
Barbados, with 12 points from the win in the opener against the Windwards, will have to improve considerably in their bid to deny the title-holders their third straight win in the tournament.
Their batting faltered in both innings against Guyana in the last match culminating in an innings and 12-run loss and much will be required of their frontline batsmen if the team is to avoid a similar fate against the strong Jamaicans.
The talented all-rounder Shamarh Brooks has been the only batsman to consistently get among the runs with three half centuries, and he will lead Barbados' batting charge.
If Barbados can surprise the confident Jamaicans and pull off a win, they will qualify for the final.
In Group B, the unbeaten Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago will meet in the group decider at Sion Hill.
A victory for Trinidad and Tobago will see them through to the finals, while a draw will be sufficient for the Guyanese.
Guyana lead the group with 24 points, while Trinidad and Tobago have 15.
In the remaining match, Leewards and Windwards will meet at Arnos Vale 'B' to determine the minor places.
