Adams optimistic about Essequibo U15 prospects
National left-arm spinner and Level Two coach, Anthony Adams, will take up his new role as coach of the Essequibo side in the Guyana Cricket Board Dave West Indian Imports Under-15 InterCounty tournament today, a role which he is open minded about and optimistic with the prospects.
Adams, 27, sat down with Stabroek Sport on the eve of their clash against powerhouse, Berbice, at the Lusignan Community Centre ground and shared his thoughts ahead of the tournament.
Reflecting on their preparation leading up to their first match, Adams said, “Of course more would always be better but nevertheless the four days was very good. The players seem to understand their game and are willing to work.”
Looking at the side selected, he noted that there are a few guys in Shazif Mohamed and Gladwin Henry Jr., who have been here before as well as some others who had shown positive signs during the trials.
“The team has some players returning who we would obviously look to lead the newcomers who have the talent,” he stated.
While the team intends to win the competition, Adams explained that he wants to instill a sense of motivation, passion and understanding into the players in order to have themselves elevated to higher levels and not worry about just winning.
“Apart from winning, I want to groom players to carry on throughout all levels of cricket. This is the most junior Inter-County tournament and I want them to have that understanding from now as they elevate to the higher levels but for now it’s about understanding their game, gain experience, knowledge and executing,” Adams said.
“Heading into the tournament it is a big opportunity for the players to elevate themselves and get into the national team and represent Guyana by doing well and putting their out there,” he added.
He posited that often players are intimidated by a “big name player” but said: “I want the players to understand that the other teams have players just like themselves with the same goals, everyone wants to win. It’s just to get them to understand no one or name is bigger than the game and I’m just trying to have them execute the plans and stick to what works in order to come out on top.”
The skipper of Essequibo’s senior franchise team admitted that he is aware that players need help with basic stuff at this level but ultimately wants to create leaders and have players who can orchestrate a play while executing plans on the spot.
“It’s not just about players depending on the coach to set up a game plan but for them to be leaders, use initiative, set up a game plan so that on the day they could think on their feet.”
Having led Essequibo their first major titles, Adams suggested that he hopes the players can be inspired by what he has accomplished and perform to their best but on a personal note, is happy to be given the opportunity to give back to Essequibo cricket.
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to do what I always wanted to do which is giving back to Essequibo cricket and I’m also extremely happy to share the knowledge I have gained over the years, especially since I’m still active…Of course leading Essequibo to their first major titles has given me tremendous exposure and hopefully that can help motivate the players to boost their cricket so it is just about getting the message over and having them execute,” he stated.
The final of the second annual Banks Beer 100-ball bash is set for tonight and will see a replay of the previous edition’s final as hosts, Enmore Community
Center Cricket Club taking on rivals and defending champions, Lusignan under lights beginning at 19.00 hours.
Prior to the main event, fans will witness Enmore
Masters taking on
Floodlights select XI at
11.00 hours followed by the battle for third place between Lusignan East and
Strathavon Sports Club at
14.30 hours and the awards ceremony for the East Coast
Cricket Committee at 18.00 hours.
In the first semi-final,
Enmore defeated
Strathavon by 61 runs after
Imran Hassan’s 61 allowed them to post 145 for seven with M. Ronald taking 4-34 for Strathavon. In reply, Strathavon were bundled out for 84 with Chaitram Balgobin and Satash Jainarine taking two wickets each.
Meanwhile, in the second semi-final, Lusignan SC got past counterparts, Lusignan East by eight wickets. Lusignan East were rolled over for 96 as T. Persaud top scored with 33 and K. Amsterdam chipped in with 21. However, it was two wickets each taken by Vickram Doonauth, Chandrapaul Ramraj, Vishnu Ramjeet and Robin Williams that contained the East side. Lusignan SC were then powered past their target with Williams returning to hammer an unbeaten 64 and supported by Ramjeet with 25 not out. A. Sammy took 2-14 for Lusignan East.
ECCCC team: Bheemraj Ramkelawan(Capt), Yuvraj Dayal, Satash Jainarine, Amir Khan, Imran Hassan, Ranjeet Hiralall, Rudolph Singh, Vishwanuth Ramlakhan, Chris Surat, Navindra Gobin, Hemraj Garbarran, Chaitram Balgobin and Vivikanand Ishwardin.
Lusignan SC: Shazam Ali- (Capt), Rajpaul Basdeo, Robin Williams, Vishnu Ramjeet, Gavin Boodwah, Kumar Bishundial, Azad Mohamed, Vickram Doodnauth, Chandrapaul Ramraj, Somnauth Bharrat, Steve Ramdas, Jagdesh Dowlatram and Deokarran Kumar.