Fierce battle in schools cricket

The PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League competition is at the halfway stage and a keen battle is brewing, as the top four teams are only separated by seven points after four rounds.

At the same stage last season, the top four schools were separated by 16 points. Presentation College Chaguanas, led by captain Kamil Pooran, is the leader on 63 points, winning three and drawing one of its matches. 

Right on Presentation’s kneels are Barrackpore West Secondary and Vishnu Boys, who are tied for second position on 59 points. 

Three points behind is Techsafe Princes Town West, which lost its first match of the season on Tuesday against Vishnu Boys.

There is also some stiff competition in the middle of the table between Carapichaima East (fifth), defending champions Hillview (sixth) and Trinity College East (seventh). The teams are separated by four points.

Presentation’s coach Lalman Kowlessar yesterday said that he was happy with how his team was performing, but also wanted his players to have fun. 

“I am not only happy, but surprised, the boys are giving their best and enjoying their cricket,” he said, adding that the team would like to win the title, but he really wants the team to have fun. He went on to say that the players are also doing well in their academics.

He went on to praise the team’s fielding, saying that it has contributed to the success, as good catches are being taken. 

Kowlessar spoke highly of many players, including brothers David and Pernel Roberts and captain Pooran. 

He said Pooran was developing rapidly, and was a player to look out for in the future. 

The squad’s national players, which includes Emilo Gopaul, Crystian Thurton, Joel Sutherland and Matthew Patrick, have also led to the great start this season.

With five matches left, Presentation will be confident, as it will play four of those matches at home. Pres, however, will have to bring its ‘A’ game in the next round on Tuesday, as it faces Vishnu Boys, which is tied for second place.

Standings

Team    P    W    L    D    Pts
Presentation, Chag    4    3    0    1    63
Barrackpore West    4    3    1    0    59
Vishnu Boys    4    3    1    0    59
Techsafe Princes/Twn W    4    2    1    1    56
Carapichaima East    4    2    1    1    46
Hillview    4    2    2    0    43
Trinity East    4    2    2    0    42
Fatima    4    0    3    1    26
El Dorado East    4    0    2    2    23
Naparima    4    0    4    0    13​