“Team knew the importance of a draw here” – Coach Crandon

Mar 29, 2017 Sports

---

As Jaguars extend unbeaten run to remain on top

By Sean Devers in Barbados
In association with Stag Beer &
Vnet Communications

It is said that a wounded Jaguars is at its most dangerous and the final day of their eighth round

Digicel Regional First-Class match began with the Guyana Jaguars facing an innings defeat in the face.
But three half-century partnerships and four second innings wickets from player of the day, Bajan, Raymon Reifer inspired a spirited fight back which saw them holding on for a draw against Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval on Monday.
Set 93 to win in 12 overs the Bajans played in t20 fashion but could only reach 75-5 when their overs expired.
The exciting draw extended the Jaguars’ unbeaten run to six matches since last losing to the Leewards Hurricanes last year November.
The draw took the Jaguars to 109.8 points, 10.6 ahead of second placed Barbados Pride (99.2) points and Jamaica Scorpions (95.2), both with realistic chances of dethroning the two times defending Champions.
Without their most successful spinner Veerasammy Permaul, robbed of the chance of representing the Jaguars in the top of the table clash due to being selected for the West Indies in a t20 encounter against Pakistan that he was unlikely to play in, the Jaguars were on the back foot from the time Barbados amassed 480-3 declared and the Jaguars were made to follow on.
After being trapped for three days the Jaguars clawed their way back on the last day and while they did not roar to a win they survived for a draw but not with their tails between their legs.
So what was the recipe for success batting on a last day pitch? Head Coach Esaun Crandon explained what transpired behind the scene.
“Yes I am pleased with today’s (Monday’s) performance, we really fought hard. The guys displayed great discipline and fight. Basically I said that today’s result was like a win for us taking into consideration the position we were in. I acknowledged all the positives and areas that we need to improve on,” informed Esaun Crandon, the 35-year-old Jaguars’ Head Coach from Berbice.
Crandon, who took 90 wickets from 38 First-Class games, said the main reason for Monday’s result was that the players believed they would not lose and realized the importance of drawing the game.
“We displayed great character, discipline and fight. We came out focused on saving the game, we knew it would be tough and we knew we had to fight hard and in the ended we survived and saved the game,” said the most successful Coach in Regional First-Class Cricket over the last three years.
Crandon said that the plan on Monday was to bat for long periods in partnerships and after Shiv Chanderpaul was dismissed after adding 91 with Vishaul Singh, Reifer shared in four important partnerships with Singh, Anthony Bramble, debutant Clinton Pestano and last man Gudakesh Motie.
“The plan was to bat and bat and bat and most of the guys did that. I am still disappointed that they kept getting out when well set and that’s something we have to work on. There were positives at the bottom with Pestano and Motie forming good partnerships with Reifer and Shepherd and Reifer picking five wickets. That’s how cricket goes, Barbados won the first three days and we won today,” Crandon stated.
Crandon was high in praise of Refier whom he described as a professional, adding that he has improved tremendously since he joined the Guyana Franchise.

“The key player today was Reifer who featured in four crucial partnerships and bowled beautifully to pick up four wickets. I think he is developing to be a top all rounder. He has been a great asset to the Franchise since he came and his passion and determination to do well is tremendous ….He is smart and a hard worker who always wants to do well against Barbados and keeps it simple by doing the basics. He did it last year and did it here again,” disclosed Crandon.
The last day pitch was covered with a rubberized mat for the playing of the t20 International on Sunday but Crandon says it showed no effects from the covering.
“The pitch was a good batting wicket…it offered something for the quicks when the ball is new …there was a lot of bounce for the spinners…the spinners got more out of it as the game progressed,” said Crandon, who has been retained as Assistant Coach for the Amazon Warriors in this year’s CPL.
When asked how big a loss was Veerasammy Permaul, Jaguar’s leading wicket taker this season with 39 matches including 7-48 against T&T’s Red Force in his last game in Port of Spain, Crandon said, “It was a huge loss but like I said it allowed someone else the opportunity to showcase their talent.”
The Jaguars are looking forward to the home games and Crandon said that the main concern from a batting perspective is that the batters having starts and not converting.
“I have challenged our batters to see to going to be the first to score a century this season besides Shiv who already has two. I also would like our bowlers to be more patient and consistent. Our fielding and catching has been an area of concern,” concluded Crandon.

---

---