The selectors responsible for selecting the final squad to represent the island in this year’s Leeward Islands 50 overs tournament, have their work cut out and would be having a number of ‘good headaches,’ as quite a number of players performed outstandingly in the two practice matches played last weekend.
The stand out batsmen included Kieran Powell who struck two half centuries; Duan Webbe who looked in resplendent form in compiling two half tons and Ross Powell who made one half century and just failed to complete another.
In terms of the bowling, the experience of Justin Athanaze; Jason Campbell and Tonito Willet, came to the fore but some of the younger bowlers such as Theron Bussue; Hakeem Harvey and Wasim Mintos, also impressed.
Trev Smithen, after a brief absence from the game, also looked his old self.
The selectors were due to release their final squad on Monday but would have had quite a bit of head scratching, to determine the final balance of the team.
Meanwhile, as Nevis prepares to host its first match versus the USVI on Thursday, fans across the island are holding their breaths as there has been constant rain over the last few days.
Here is a summary of the two practice matches played:
Match one-played Saturday 16th April
Summarized scores: Kieran Powell’s X1: 207 for 9 in 50 overs: Ross Powell 53; Kieran Powell 52; Tyris Jeffers 30
Justin Athanaze 3 for 20; Tonito Willet 2 for 41; Junie Williams 2 for 33
Tonito Willet’s X1: 208 for 8: Duan Webbe 65; Tonito Willet 37; Jamie Cornelius 20
Jason Campbell 2 for 36; Theron Bussue 2 for 30
Match two-played Sunday 17th April
Tonito Willet’s X1: 204 for 6 in 43 overs: Duan Webbe 62; Justin Athanaze 53; Shelton Forbes 49
Kezron Archibald; Jason Campbell; Theron Bussue and Ravindra Balgobin-1 wicket each
Kieran Powell’s X1: 178 for 8 from 43 overs: Kieran Powell 55; Ross Powell 38
Hakeem Harvey 2 for 10; Tonito Willet 2 for 13; Wasim Mintos 2 for 15