Windwards coach buoyant despite loss

Coach of the Windward Islands senior cricket team Ian Allen is buoyant, despite his team’s 82-run loss to the Combined Campuses and Colleges at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in the West Indies Cricket Board four-day regional tournament.{{more}}

Reflecting on his team’s performance in the match, Allen said: “It wasn’t the result we were expecting … I think we bowled well in both innings. We didn’t bat well though in both innings.”

Commenting on the state of pitch, Allen noted: “The pitch was on the slow side for the seamers and had unusual bounce and turn early in the match, but in situations like this we just needed to value our wickets more and focus more.”

The Windwards were dismissed for 157 in their first innings, and chasing 184 to win, could only reach 101 all out.

On the other hand, the CCC totalled 225 in their first knock, but was bowled out for 115 in their second.

Despite the loss, the Windwards, having completed their quota of matches in the preliminary round, are on 65 points, and are in the semi-finals.

Allen thinks that his charges have what it takes to reach the final after first getting over their semi-final bogey.

“We are expecting to continue to play good cricket, because getting to the semi-finals was one of our goals and looking to get to the final is our ultimate goal and win the title… the Windwards have never won a title at this format, so I believe we stand our best chance with the type of players we have now.”

Allen said with a break this weekend, the players should be re-energised, as they have played all six matches on the trot.

Allen, though, stressed on active rest.

“Maintaining fitness will also be important that the players get involved in matches on the weekend in their respective territories in an effort to maintain match fitness,” he confirmed.

Allen is a former St Vincent and the Grenadines, Windwards and West Indies right arm fast bowler. (RT)