Windwards boss stunned by team’s loss

President of the Windwards Cricket Board Lennox John is puzzled by the Windwards’ performance in their last match against Barbados. John’s sentiments echoed that felt by the entire Windwards population.

John admitted that the Windwards batting had been disappointing, and he disclosed three changes for the next encounter carded for Guaracara Park against Trinidad and Tobago starting today. {{more}}

Grenadian leg spinning allrounder Camilus Alexander has been drafted into the party, along with St. Lucian batsman Alvin La Feuille, and Dominican batsman Ezekiel Francis.

They have replaced Grenadian opener Marvin Noel, Vincentian batsman Hyron Shallow and Dominican allrounder Liam Sebastien.

John praised St. Lucians Craig Emmanuel and Sergio Fedee in the batting, but said he was left aghast at the Windwards’ display in the Barbados match.

On the heels of wins in contrasting fashion against Trinidad and Tobago at Arnos Vale, and Leewards in St. Thomas Virgin Islands, fans were anticipating another rampaging appearance.

Once Barbados reached 310, dismissed on the stroke of the first day, they must have felt secured. They enjoyed a recovery, thanks to some dropped catches. Dwayne Smith blazed 103, helped by the horrible fielding display.

That innings meshed with an all-round performance which catapulted him to the man of the match award.

The Barbados lower order rallied perhaps stung by their four consecutive losses on home turf.

Strengthened by the inclusion of West Indies players on a premature return from the triangular VB Series in Australia, Barbados were determined to alter their fortunes. And the Windwards seemed only too willing to comply. The debacle came in a dismal pre-lunch session on Saturday, before fans could have packed their lunch kits to get to the playing field.

The Windwards were bundled out for 55. With a 256 run deficit, things were always going to be difficult for them. Hopes were raised for a remarkable recovery, with a 116 run opening stand between Devon Smith and Emmanuel.

Smith’s dismissal for 99 signaled a decline in chances of a revival. Darren Sammy 85, and Junior Murray 55, kindled the Windwards fans just a little longer. But that only delayed the eventual and the inevitable.

Pedro Collins broke an 111 run fourth wicket stand in his first over with the second new ball. There after, it was all over bar the cursing.

Shane Shillingford struggled while Sammy stretched the target to as far as possible.

With 69 required, it was a formality. The Barbadians raced to victory after tea on the third day.

John pointed out that the Windwards would have to win two of their three away games if they are to capture the second spot and make their way into the Carib Beer Challenge trophy.

Jamaica is run away leader in the points standing and seems set to be the League champion.

The two top teams will play for the Challenge trophy.

Windwards play Leewards at Tanteen Grenada February 25 to 28, Guyana March 4 to 7 and at Alpart Jamaica March 11 to 14.

Lennox John, at the helm of the four-island grouping comprising Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has been an icon in the realms of regional cricket. He relinquished position of the local Cricket Board in recent elections, after being in charge for the past 20 years, with a similar number at different forms of the executive.

John is also the Windwards’ representative to the West Indies cricket board, and has served in several capacities.

His involvement in the game, as well as other sporting and social areas has been well documented.