Reverend Selvin Watson (second right) leads the Jamaica Under-19 cricket team in prayer before their departure to Barbados yesterday. - Kyle Macpherson/Freelance Photographer

DEFENDING REGIONAL TCL Group limited overs champions Jamaica left the island yesterday for Barbados.

The team, which is coached by André Coley, managed by Fitz Harris and captained by André Creary, will be seeking to defend its one-day title while at the same time trying to capture the coveted three-day crown.

Last year, the Jamaicans, who were one of the favourites, finished second in the three-day championship but, thanks to a breathtaking century by opener Horace Miller in the final, they captured the limited overs title.

Successful defence

"We have three players from last year's squad and it is the hope that they will provide the backbone for what we hope will be a successful defence of our title and the claiming of the three-day equivalent," coach Coley said shortly before departing for the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

The three players that he speaks of are Holmwood Technical's batting all-rounder Creary, Norman Manley's Horace Miller and St Jago High batsman Garth Garvey.

Late changes

Meanwhile, the team was forced to make two late changes before departure yesterday with Manchester High batsman Courtney Allen and Meadow-brook High pacer Jermaine Cole replacing two players who caught chicken pox.

Jamaica will open their account tomorrow against Trinidad and Tobago.