Latest update February 5th, 2025 6:13 AM
Johnson says Jaguars confident of winning first title in 17 years
By Sean Devers in Barbados compliments of Western Union and Carib Beer
For 27 year-old West Indies Test batsman and Captain of the Guyana Jaguars team, the seventh 
round four-wicket win against Barbados Pride in the WICB Four-Day Cricket Franchise here in Barbados was a special one for his team.
It was their second consecutive win against the Bajans at the Kensington Oval but when the teams last met in this tournament, the Jaguars, set 69 to win collapsed for 66 at Providence in Guyana.
“This win was a special win for us since it shows that we are getting better as the tournament 
progresses and we have leant never to be complacent. That caused us our only loss in seven games, so this win and the manner in which we achieved it made it even sweeter for us” the talented left-hander who has four Tests, explained.
He was referring to that embarrassing loss at Providence in the third round in what has been an otherwise unblemished tournament for the Jaguars, who lead the points table with 107 points from seven matches.
“The win was on a historic day for Guyana and we dedicate it to all the people of Guyana as we celebrate our 45th Republic Anniversary with Mashramani today (Monday). This has to be one of the most successful run chases to win and everyone played their role” said Johnson, who has played 59 First-Class games since making his debut at Enmore in 2003.
The 335-6 made by the Jaguars was the second highest successful run chase ever in Regional cricket.
Leon Johnson
The highest is 371-8 by the Windwards against T&T in St Lucia in 1983. Johnson said Rajendra Chandrika and Vishaul Singh gave the team a solid foundation for Shiv Chanderpaul and Narsingh Deonarine to build on before Raymond Reifer and Anthony Bramble completed the job.
“This was our toughest match so far and it’s a great feeling to end it with a win. The pitch here was not the typical pitch we have come to know which plays true with an even bounce. It was a bit up and down. Some balls kept low while some bounced from a good length but generally it was not too difficult to get runs on” added Johnson who scored two tons in 3,279 First-Class runs.
The Jaguars play their two next games against Jamaica and T&T Red Force at home before traveling to Dominica to face the Windwards. Barbados (82) and the Windwards (80) are Guyana’s main challengers for the title. The South American based unit has won six Regional titles but since 1998 when the shared it with the Leewards.
“We are confident going forward in the tournament and now we have a great chance of winning this year…we have not won in 17 years and that is a long time, some youngsters were not even born when we last won” disclosed Johnson, who has 250 runs from five matches in this tournament.
“We aim to extend our lead with every game and will be focusing on winning our next two home games to put ourselves in an unbeatable position by the time we go to Dominica for our last game against the Windwards.
“We are a happy, confident group of players and Shiv’s presence has really been a benefit, especially for the batsmen” said Johnson.
There are 10-days before the eighth round match against Jamaica and the Guyana Captain said the Jaguars welcomed the little break since it’s sometimes a bit tiring both mentally and physically playing so many games without getting rest especially if you are on the road for three consecutive games as was the case for the Jaguars who beat Jamaica in Jamaica, the Leewards in Antigua and Barbados in Barbados.
“We get a few days off to go home and spend some time with our families and before resuming training and practice sessions next Monday”, informed Johnson.
“It’s always an honor to captain your country in any sport and last year we did really badly so this tournament I am happy with our performance here but you have to keep on working hard all the time if you want to maintain good performances as professionals. My aim is to win the title for Guyana and make big scores in the next three games to retain my place in the West Indies team for the English series.” Johnson, a former West Indies Under-19 Captain concluded.
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