– Advertisement –
By Neto Baptiste
On the verge of qualifying for the knockout [eliminator] phase of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in just their second year, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons remain confident heading into their final preliminary round fixture against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Wednesday.
This is according to one member of the coaching staff and legendary fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose, who said the aim is to solidify their place in the top four with victory against the home team on Wednesday.
“We expected to do well since last year because that’s the kind of confidence that we have in this team. It didn’t work that way, but this year, we sort of made up for it and we are doing well and at this moment, we have one foot in the door. Once we win on Wednesday, then there is no doubt whatsoever. We are not prepared to wait on outcomes or results from other team; we are going to go there to win on Wednesday to put to rest all this ifs and maybes and all that stuff” he said.
Falcons sit third on the standings with nine points from their nine encounters and can only be surpassed by Warriors who are fourth with eight points with three matches in hand. Although the struggling Barbados Royals could get to nine points, they must win all three of their remaining matches.
Sir Curtly said the mood in the camp remains upbeat and confident as they prepare for their final preliminary clash against Guyana.
“We are under no pressure whatsoever, and that is something that we as a coaching staff has instilled in the players. We know every game is important, we know we want to win, but at the same time, we do not put ourselves under any unnecessary pressure, because when you put yourself under pressure, most times you don’t perform as well. So we still have a very relaxed dressing room, a very relaxed atmosphere, and we know what we have to do, and we are doing it at the moment,” the former player said.
In the knockout round, team number one will play team number two while the team finishing third will play the fourth placed team. The winner of one and two will automatically advance to the final with the loser of play the winning of three vs. four for the other spot in the final.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, Jeff Miller, praised the staff for the job they have done thus far.
“We are excited to be here, to be in the position that we’re in. As Sir Curley said earlier, the guys are in a good space, the coaching staff have been doing an excellent job, a fantastic job with the head coach and Sir Curtly and Polo [Wilden Cornwall] and the other members of the support staff and the players are looking forward to it. The camp seems to be very calm, there’s no pressure on the players and the players understand that and we’ll see something exciting on Wednesday night,” he said.
Wednesday’s clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors will bowl off at 5 pm at the Providence Stadium.
About The Author
– Advertisement –
